PRISMA-ScR Checklist

Instructions

2. Structured summary: Provide a structured summary including, as applicable: background, objectives, eligibility criteria, sources of evidence, charting methods, results, and conclusions that relate to the review questions and objectives.

3. Rationale: Describe the rationale for the review in the context of existing knowledge and explain why a scoping review is a suitable approach.
4. Objectives: State the review questions and objectives clearly, referencing their key elements (e.g., population, concepts, context).

5. Protocol and registration: Indicate if a review protocol exists, and if so, where it can be accessed (e.g., a web address) and provide registration information if available.
6. Eligibility criteria: Specify the characteristics of the sources of evidence used as eligibility criteria (e.g., years considered, language, publication status) and provide a rationale.
7. Information sources: Describe all information sources used in the search (e.g., databases with dates of coverage, contact with authors) and the date of the most recent search.
8. Search: Present the full electronic search strategy for at least one database, including any limits used, so it can be repeated.
9. Selection of sources of evidence: State the process for selecting sources of evidence (i.e., screening and eligibility) for inclusion in the scoping review.
10. Data charting: Describe the methods for charting data from the included sources of evidence and any processes for obtaining and confirming data from investigators.
11. Data items: List and define all variables for which data were sought and any assumptions and simplifications made.
12. Critical appraisal of individual sources of evidence (Optional): If done, describe the methods used for critical appraisal of individual sources of evidence and how this information was used in the synthesis of results.

13. Selection of sources of evidence: Give the number of sources of evidence screened, assessed for eligibility, and included in the review, with reasons for exclusions at each stage, ideally with a flow diagram.
14. Characteristics of sources of evidence: For each source of evidence, present its characteristics for which data were charted and any critical appraisal results.
15. Results of individual sources of evidence: For each included source of evidence, present the relevant data that were charted.
16. Synthesis of results: Summarize and synthesize the results, and present them in a logical and structured manner that aligns with the review’s objectives and questions.

17. Summary of evidence: Summarize the main results, including a discussion of how they relate to the review’s questions and objectives.
18. Limitations: Discuss the limitations of the scoping review process.
19. Conclusions: Provide a general interpretation of the results in the context of the review questions and objectives, as well as potential implications and/or next steps.

20. Funding: Describe the sources of funding for the scoping review and the role of the funders.

21. Critical appraisal within sources of evidence (Optional): If done, present the results of any critical appraisal that was conducted within the sources of evidence.
22. Funding of included sources of evidence: Describe sources of funding for the included sources of evidence.

Reviewer notes