Preparing scoping reviews for publication using methodological guides and reporting standards

Primary health care professionals' practice in the face of leprosy: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

to identify Primary Health Care professionals' practice in the face of leprosy.

METHODS

a scoping review, carried out between November 2022 and January 2023, conducted according to the methodological structure proposed by JBI and checklist Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews in six databases and additional literature.

RESULTS

the sample consisted of 11 articles, published between 2008 and 2022. The findings were synthesized into three categories: Early diagnosis and timely treatment; Physical disability prevention; and Household and social contact surveillance.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

there is a need to align the practices carried out with those recommended by the Brazilian National Program for Leprosy Control and Elimination, as some were not identified in studies, which implies losses to qualified assistance directed to patient demands, with a view to control and elimination of leprosy.

Skill acquisition interventions for the learning of sports-related skills: A scoping review of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Skill acquisition science is the study of how motor skills are acquired, developed and/or learned. There is substantive evidence for general motor skill acquisition in controlled laboratory settings yet the literature on the learning of sports-related skills is typically less conclusive.

OBJECTIVES

This scoping review aimed to summarise the current literature on skill acquisition intervention studies examining the learning of sports-related skills as part of a randomised controlled trial, by synthesizing and extracting the most relevant features.

METHODS

Four electronic databases (PsychINFO, PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science) were searched for relevant studies. The sample characteristics of these studies were extracted, and summarised. Two systematic searches of the literature were conducted. In the first search, eighty-six studies were retained. A second search was conducted in July 2022 to include new studies and specifically focused on the inclusion of within-subject design studies, resulting in the inclusion of 35 additional studies. A third search was conducted in May 2023 to include new studies resulting in the inclusion of 10 additional studies.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty studies across 29 sports were included in the review. The vast majority of the studies in this scoping review (n = 104) examined the learning of a sport-related skill in participants with no experience. Twenty-eight percent of all retained studies (n = 35) considered only the learning of a golf skill, and all studies were practiced in a laboratory environment, examining closed motor skills (n = 130). The most common intervention categories reported were attention (n = 22), instruction and demonstration (n = 20), practice design (n = 20), and perceptual training (n = 19). Nearly half of all studies used an immediate retention test within 48 h of the cessation of practice (n = 63), and just over one quarter of studies (n = 34) reported incorporating some form of transfer test. Eighty-six percent (n = 112) reported positive findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The skewed focus on golf skills across a small number of skill acquisition interventions, the inconsistent use and reporting of performance measures, practice durations and measures of learning alongside the relatively small sample sizes consisting mostly of inexperienced learners and the skewed publication of positive findings should warrant caution. More empirical studies across a broader range of sports and with more consistent methodologies are needed to develop a robust pool of literature that can support academics and practitioners interested in which skill acquisition interventions could be used to influence the learning of sports-related skills.

Theories, Models, Frameworks, Guidelines, and Recommendations for Trauma-Informed Oral Healthcare Services: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Traumatic life experiences (TLE) are common and can affect a person's physical being and health-related behaviors, including those related to oral health. This scoping review aimed to identify evidence exploring the implementation and provision of trauma-informed care (TIC) in oral health services delivery.

METHODS

Arksey and O'Malley's framework with enhancements proposed by Levac et al. and Peters et al. was used. Studies were selected based on a preset inclusion and exclusion criteria and the population/concept/context framework. Primary charting of descriptive data was conducted, followed by thematic analysis to identify ideas common within the included literature. Searches were conducted in Medline (via Ovid), APA PsycINFO (via Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), Scopus, CINAHL (via EBSCO), and Cochrane databases. Google Scholar and ProQuest were used to identify grey literature.

RESULTS

The search identified 251 records, with fifteen records meeting the inclusion criteria. Limited models, frameworks, and recommendations for trauma-informed practices in oral health services were identified. Recommendations for TIC practices were identified, and clinical practice adjustments for dental practitioners were described to improve service delivery for patients who may have experienced trauma. Avenues for future research were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited evidence exists to guide trauma-informed practice in oral health service delivery. This scoping review highlights the need for further research into approaches and practices of TIC for oral health services delivery to assess their efficacy and the need to develop evidence-based TIC frameworks to meet the unique needs of oral health service providers and populations.

Interventions addressing the impostor phenomenon: a scoping review

Introduction

The Impostor Phenomenon (IP) refers to a psychological experience characterized by unjustified feelings of intellectual and professional fraud, accompanied by the fear of not maintaining performance and of being exposed. IP is receiving increasing attention in the fields of psychological health at work and occupational psychology as well as among the general public, since it affects the functioning of both individuals and organizations. The aim of this scoping review is to map the range of interventions that have been conducted to address IP among individuals experiencing it in a professional context.

Methods

The search and selection process to identify relevant reports was conducted using the PRISMA-ScR methodology and JBI recommendations and resulted in the selection of 31 studies.

Results

The results reported concerning the characteristics of the studies, the interventions described, and the effects identified are heterogeneous. More than half of the studies used research designs (experimental, pre-experimental, exploratory, etc.). Two major types of intervention emerge: training and counseling. The effectiveness of the interventions varies according to the evaluation methodology that was used, although most authors conclude that the proposed intervention is relevant.

Discussion

In light of these results, recognizing and educating individuals regarding the various manifestations of IP, as well as offering support in a group context, appear to be primary intervention levers. Future intervention proposals should explore psychosocial and educational influences as well as the impact of the immediate environment on IP-related beliefs.

Pharmacist-social worker interprofessional relations and education in mental health: a scoping review

Background

One in eight patients is affected by a mental health condition, and interprofessional mental health teams collaborate to improve patient care. While pharmacists and social workers are recognized as mental health team members, there is a lack of literature describing interprofessional relations and education between these professions, especially as it pertains to mental health. The purpose of this review was to identify and characterize reports describing pharmacist-social worker interprofessional relations and education within mental health.

Methodology

To address this knowledge gap, this scoping review was conducted to collect and characterize reports published between January 1, 1960 and August 18, 2023 describing pharmacist-social worker interprofessional relations and education within the field of mental health. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were followed. Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Social Work Abstracts were searched using keywords "pharmacy student," "pharmacist," "social work student," "social worker," and "social work." Reports were included if they were published in English and interprofessional relations or education occurred directly between (student) pharmacists and social workers.

Results

Three hundred twenty records were identified and three records were included: one cross sectional study, one qualitative educational project, and one case report. Each record suggested positive patient and/or educational outcomes developing from pharmacist-social worker interprofessional relations and education. In clinical practice, pharmacist-social work teams identified mental health risk factors, reduced 30-day readmissions, and improved post-discharge telehealth care. In the classroom, a social worker improved pharmacy students' confidence assessing patient suicidal ideations.

Conclusions

This scoping review identified needs and areas for future research: pharmacist interprofessional education with Master of Social Work and Doctor of Social Work degree students, transitional care and mental health outcome measure reporting using evidence-based outcomes, and development of scholarly teaching projects utilizing higher-level educational frameworks beyond learner reactions.

The Use of Digital Health Services Among Patients and Citizens Living at Home: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

The development of digital health services reflects not only the technical development of services but also a change in attitude and the way of thinking. It has become a cornerstone for engaging and activating patients and citizens in health management while living at home. Digital health services are also aimed at enhancing the efficiency and quality of services, while simultaneously providing services more cost-effectively. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated worldwide the development and use of digital services in response to requirements for social distancing and other regulations.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to identify and summarize how digital health services are being used among patients and citizens while living at home.

METHODS

The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews was used as guidance. A search conducted in 3 databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus) resulted in 419 papers. The reporting was conducted by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping review (PRISMA-ScR), and the analysis of the included papers was performed using a framework consisting of 5 clusters describing the use of digital health services. After screening and excluding papers that did not match the inclusion criteria, 88 (21%) papers from 2010 to 2022 were included in the final analysis.

RESULTS

Results indicated that digital health services are used in different situations and among different kinds of populations. In most studies, digital health services were used in the form of video visits or consultations. The telephone was also used regularly for consultations. Other services, such as remote monitoring and transmitting of recorded information and the use the of internet or portals for searching information, were observed as well. Alerts, emergency systems, and reminders were observed to offer possibilities of use, for example, among older people. The digital health services also showed to have potential for use in patient education.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of digital services reflects a shift toward the provision of care regardless of time and place. It also reflects a shift toward emphasis on patient-centered care, meaning activating and engaging patients in their own care as they use digital services for various health-related purposes. Despite the development of digital services, many challenges (eg, adequate infrastructure) still prevail worldwide.

The use of alkaline phosphatase as a bone turnover marker after spinal cord injury: A scoping review of human and animal studies

BACKGROUND

Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is measured as an indicator of bone or liver disease. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) is an isoform of ALP found in the bone tissue which can predict fractures and heterotopic ossification.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this scoping review was to explore the current use of ALP and B-ALP in studies using humans or animal models of SCI, and to identify ways to advance future research using ALP and B-ALP as a bone marker after SCI.

RESULTS

HUMAN STUDIES: 42 studies were included. The evidence regarding changes or differences in ALP levels in individuals with SCI compared to controls is conflicting. For example, a negative correlation between B-ALP and total femur BMD was observed in only one of three studies examining the association. B-ALP seemed to increase after administration of teriparatide, and to decrease after treatment with denosumab. The effects of exercise on ALP and B-ALP levels are heterogeneous and depend on the type of exercise performed. ANIMAL STUDIES: 11 studies were included. There is uncertainty regarding the response of ALP or B-ALP levels after SCI; levels increased after some interventions, including vibration protocols, curcumin supplementation, cycles in electromagnetic field or hyperbaric chamber. Calcitonin or bisphosphonate administration did not affect ALP levels.

CONCLUSION

Researchers are encouraged to measure the bone-specific isoform of ALP rather than total ALP in future studies in humans of animal models of SCI.

Neurocritical Patients: Review of the Scope of Nursing Diagnoses and Care in the Intensive Care Unit

Objective

To identify the diagnoses and nursing care for neurocritical patients in the intensive care unit.

Method

This is a scope review study, based on the Joanna Briggs Institute, led by the following guiding question: what are the diagnoses and nursing care for neurocritical patients in the intensive care unit? Data collection was carried out in February 2022 in a paired manner, in the following databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and SCOPUS. For sample selection, the following search strategy was used: "Neurology" AND "Nursing Care" OR "Nursing Diagnosis" AND "Critical Care." Studies were independently selected, blinded by two reviewers.

Result

It was possible to identify 854 studies, which after analysis by title and abstract, only 27 articles passed the eligibility, of which 10 were part of this review.

Conclusion

According to the analysis of the studies, it was found that nursing care, combined with a care plan for neurocritical patients, allows for better results, with a view to the quality of life and health promotion.

Transition from parents to caregivers of a child with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

to map and summarize the existing scientific evidence on parents' transition experience to exercise the caregiver role of a child with 1DM, identifying gaps in knowledge of this experience.

METHODS

a scoping review was carried out based on JBI methodology, in two databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist.

RESULTS

we included 31 articles. From the studies, constitutive elements of parents' transition experience to caregiver role of a child with 1DM were found, which focused on the nature of the experience, the feelings and emotions experienced, the hindering conditions, the facilitating conditions, the strategies used by parents and the results or effects obtained.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

the transition process' characterizing elements were identified, but not a theoretical explanation of it. Additional research should be carried out in order to allow a deeper understanding of this process.

Quantitative indices for cone-beam CT assessment of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw - a scoping review

Objectives

It is not unusual for Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) lesions that have similar clinical presentation and staging to have dissimilar radiographic extent of disease. The aim of this review was to explore the published scientific literature for quantitative indices that describe the cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) radiographic features of MRONJ lesions and assess their clinical utility.

Method and Materials

A scoping review of the literature was performed to identify quantitative indices developed to describe the CBCT radiographic features of MRONJ lesions. Five electronic databases were included in the review: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Trip medical database, and Cochrane Library. Articles published from the year 2003 onward were included in the review.

Results

367 articles were initially included in the review. 39 abstracts were screened for full-text assessment. The scoping review yielded 12 full length articles with169 cases reported. The Composite Radiographic Index score (CRI score) was identified as the most meaningful index in published literature that attempted to quantify qualitative radiographic changes (Walton, Grogan et al. 2019). However, lesions with similar CRI scores that corresponded to intermediate severity (3-5) may be very dissimilar radiographically in both nature and extent of radiographic changes, undercutting its clinical value.

Conclusion

The CRI index score was the only relevant index for cross-sectional (one-time) assessment of established MRONJ lesions (non-stage 0). This scoping review yielded several critical questions regarding the clinical significance and prognostic implications of various radiographic changes in MRONJ, thereby identifying focus areas for future research.

Transição de pais para cuidadores de um filho com Diabetes Mellitus tipo 1: scoping review

RESUMO Objetivos: mapear e resumir a evidência científica existente sobre a experiência de transição dos pais para o exercício do papel de cuidador de um filho com DM1, identificando lacunas existentes no conhecimento dessa experiência. Métodos: efetuada revisão scoping baseada na metodologia do JBI, em duas bases de dados, seguindo a checklist Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Resultados: foram incluídos 31 artigos. A partir dos estudos, foram encontrados elementos constitutivos da experiência de transição dos pais para o papel de cuidador de um filho com DM1, que se centraram na natureza da experiência, nos sentimentos e emoções experimentadas, nas condições dificultadoras, nas condições facilitadoras, nas estratégias utilizadas pelos pais e nos resultados ou efeitos obtidos. Considerações finais: identificaram-se elementos caracterizadores do processo de transição, mas não uma explicação teórica do mesmo. Investigação adicional deverá ser realizada, a fim de permitir compreender aprofundadamente este processo.

Nursing lecturers' perception toward E-learning approaches used in nursing colleges: Scoping review

Background

Nursing colleges have traditionally taught students in hospitals and laboratories. COVID-19 compelled most nursing colleges to embrace e-learning without prior experience or preparation after 2020, which may influence nursing educators' views and attitudes toward its use.

Objective

This scoping review explores the nursing educators' perception of the e-learning approaches used in nursing colleges.

Design

A comprehensive review of five databases, Cochrane, Ebsco (Medline), PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus, was conducted, adhering to the Joanna Brings Institute (JBI) standards full theme, utilizing preset eligibility criteria and adhering to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) recommendations.

Methods

This scoping review examined studies published in English from January 1st, 2017–2022. Three reviewers evaluated the eligibility of the literature and retrieved data to address the research question from prior literature. A content analysis was done.

Results

Thirteen articles with various hypotheses and models were reviewed. The review reveals that nursing educators are novices at using e-learning approaches in their classes due to their novelty in most nursing colleges. Nursing educators have a modest positive perception, with an optimistic perspective on e-learning effectiveness in theoretical course teaching, emphasizing that it is inappropriate in teaching clinical courses. The review demonstrates that e-learning faces numerous challenges that negatively impact educators' perceptions.

Conclusion

Institutional preparedness in terms of personnel through educator training, provision of necessary infrastructure, administrative support, and incentives are critical to improving the perception of the e-learning method and increasing its adoption in nursing colleges.

A scoping review of mHealth monitoring of pediatric bronchial asthma before and during COVID-19 pandemic

Mobile (m) Health technology is well-suited for Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) in a patient's habitual environment. In recent years there have been fast-paced developments in mHealth-enabled pediatric RPM, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating evidence synthesis. To this end, we conducted a scoping review of clinical trials that had utilized mHealth-enabled RPM of pediatric asthma. MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were searched from September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2021. Our scoping review identified 25 publications that utilized synchronous and asynchronous mHealth-enabled RPM in pediatric asthma, either involving mobile applications or via individual devices. The last three years has seen the development of evidence-based, multidisciplinary, and participatory mHealth interventions. The quality of the studies has been improving, such that 40% of included study reports were randomized controlled trials. In conclusion, there exists high-quality evidence on mHealth-enabled RPM in pediatric asthma, warranting future systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses of the benefits of such RPM.

Effectiveness of different types and levels of social distancing measures: a scoping review of global evidence from earlier stage of COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

Social distancing is one of the main non-pharmaceutical interventions used in the control of the COVID-19 pandemic. This scoping review aims to synthesise research findings on the effectiveness of different types and levels of social distancing measures in the earlier stage of COVID-19 pandemic without the confounding effect of mass vaccination.

DESIGN

Scoping review.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health and four other databases were searched for eligible studies on social distancing for COVID-19 published from inception of the databases to 30 September 2020.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Effectiveness studies on social distancing between individuals, school closures, workplace/business closures, public transport restrictions and partial/full lockdown were included. Non-English articles, studies in healthcare settings or not based on empirical data were excluded.

RESULTS

After screening 1638 abstracts and 8 additional articles from other sources, 41 studies were included for synthesis of findings. The review found that the outcomes of social distancing measures were mainly indicated by changes in R_t , incidence and mortality, along with indirect indicators such as daily contact frequency and travel distance. There was adequate empirical evidence for the effect of social distancing at the individual level, and for partial or full lockdown at the community level. However, at the level of social settings, the evidence was moderate for school closure, and was limited for workplace/business closures as single targeted interventions. There was no evidence for a separate effect of public transport restriction.

CONCLUSIONS

In the community setting, there was stronger evidence for the combined effect of different social distancing interventions than for a single intervention. As fatigue of preventive behaviours is an issue in public health agenda, future studies should analyse the risks in specific settings such as eateries and entertainment to implement and evaluate measures which are proportionate to the risk.

Rehabilitation Research in Denmark Between 2001 and 2020: A Scoping Review

The demand for rehabilitation has increased, and evidence is rapidly growing; however, a rehabilitative health strategy receives less attention than treatment. Knowledge of what is being researched, who are the target groups and who contributes to rehabilitation research is deficient. We did not find any reviews mapping rehabilitation research regarding the research questions. The objective was to identify and synthesize existing scientific evidence on rehabilitation research published by Danish institutions between 2001 and 2021. The research questions to be explored were: Among which study groups has rehabilitation research been published?. Which types of studies on rehabilitation have been published?. Which institutions have been involved in rehabilitation research?

Methods

The process was guided according to the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI's) scoping review methodology. Four databases were searched. All types of peer-reviewed studies on any target group and rehabilitation setting, with any affiliation to a Danish institution, were eligible to be included. Studies referring to population and the type of design were categorized. Institutions were counted as Danish first authorship.

Results

The search revealed 3,100 studies, and following screening 1,779 were included. A total of 24 broad study groups were identified, mostly diagnosis-based health conditions. Musculoskeletal, cancer, and cardiac had 342, 228, and 174 studies, respectively. A total of 1,545 had a Danish first authorship, most of the Danish publications came from hospitals (56.6%) and universities (28.4%). The publication trend showed an almost linear development, with a 10-15% increase during the period.

Conclusion

Following screening 1,779 studies were included involving 24 broad study groups. Most categories were diagnosis-based; musculoskeletal, cancer, and cardiac health conditions encompassed most studies. All study designs were represented, and 1/10 were secondary studies. The majority (87%) of studies had a Danish first authorship. The majority of first affiliations were among hospitals followed by universities. A few municipalities were presented although they are yet to have research responsibility. Publication trends showed an increase primarily from 2013.

Systematic Review Registration

https://osf.io/, identifier [10.17605/OSF.IO/2AENX].

Imaging-based Machine-learning Models to Predict Clinical Outcomes and Identify Biomarkers in Pancreatic Cancer: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

To perform a scoping review of imaging-based machine-learning models to predict clinical outcomes and identify biomarkers in patients with PDAC.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Patients with PDAC could benefit from better selection for systemic and surgical therapy. Imaging-based machine-learning models may improve treatment selection.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses-scoping review guidelines in the PubMed and Embase databases (inception-October 2020). The review protocol was prospectively registered (open science framework registration: m4cyx). Included were studies on imaging-based machine-learning models for predicting clinical outcomes and identifying biomarkers for PDAC. The primary outcome was model performance. An area under the curve (AUC) of ≥0.75, or a P-value of ≤0.05, was considered adequate model performance. Methodological study quality was assessed using the modified radiomics quality score.

RESULTS

After screening 1619 studies, 25 studies with 2305 patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria. All but 1 study was published in 2019 and 2020. Overall, 23/25 studies created models using radiomics features, 1 study quantified vascular invasion on computed tomography, and one used histopathological data. Nine models predicted clinical outcomes with AUC measures of 0.78-0.95, and C-indices of 0.65-0.76. Seventeen models identified biomarkers with AUC measures of 0.68-0.95. Adequate model performance was reported in 23/25 studies. The methodological quality of the included studies was suboptimal, with a median modified radiomics quality score score of 7/36.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of imaging-based machine-learning models to predict clinical outcomes and identify biomarkers in patients with PDAC is increasingly rapidly. Although these models mostly have good performance scores, their methodological quality should be improved.

Immunohistochemical Biomarkers in Oral Submucous Fibrosis - A Scoping Review

INTRODUCTION

This scoping review was done to study the immunohistochemical biomarkers involved in pathogenesis and malignant transformation (MT) of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), in literature published from 2010 to 2021.

METHOD

The protocol was adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual (2017, and reported according to the PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).

RESULTS

Eighty-six studies included in this review reported 84 immunohistochemical (IHC) biomarkers in OSF: 9 epithelial markers, 29 connective tissue markers, 22 proliferative markers, and 24 other biomarkers that are transcription factors, cancer stem cell markers, cell signaling markers, proteins, and enzymes. The commonly reported IHC biomarkers were alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and E-cadherin (7 articles each) followed by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD34 (6 articles each), p53, p63 and Ki67 (5 articles each). α-SMA, Ki67, CD105, and hTERT were significantly increased in oral squamous cell carcinoma arising in a background of OSF (OSCC-OSF) compared to OSF and normal subjects.

CONCLUSION

The identified surrogate IHC biomarkers reported in OSF in this scoping review require validation with long-term prospective studies to facilitate early diagnosis, for use in risk assessment, and plan appropriate treatment for OSF in clinical practice.

Development and use of research vignettes to collect qualitative data from healthcare professionals: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

To clarify the definition of vignette-based methodology in qualitative research and to identify key elements underpinning its development and utilisation in qualitative empirical studies involving healthcare professionals.

DESIGN

Scoping review according to the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and SocINDEX (January 2000-December 2020).

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Empirical studies in English or French with a qualitative design including an explicit methodological description of the development and/or use of vignettes to collect qualitative data from healthcare professionals. Titles and abstracts were screened, and full text was reviewed by pairs of researchers according to inclusion/exclusion criteria.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data extraction included study characteristics, definition, development and utilisation of a vignette, as well as strengths, limitations and recommendations from authors of the included articles. Systematic qualitative thematic analysis was performed, followed by data matrices to display the findings according to the scoping review questions.

RESULTS

Ten articles were included. An explicit definition of vignettes was provided in only half the studies. Variations of the development process (steps, expert consultation and pretesting), data collection and analysis demonstrate opportunities for improvement in rigour and transparency of the whole research process. Most studies failed to address quality criteria of the wider qualitative design and to discuss study limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

Vignette-based studies in qualitative research appear promising to deepen our understanding of sensitive and challenging situations lived by healthcare professionals. However, vignettes require conceptual clarification and robust methodological guidance so that researchers can systematically plan their study. Focusing on quality criteria of qualitative design can produce stronger evidence around measures that may help healthcare professionals reflect on and learn to cope with adversity.

Defining Pooled' Place-Based' Budgets for Health and Social Care: A Scoping Review

Introduction

Current descriptions of pooled budgets in the literature pose challenges to good quality evaluation of their contribution to integrated care. Addressing this gap is increasingly important given the shift from early models of integrated care targeting segments of the population, to more recent approaches that aim to target 'places', broader geographically defined populations. This review draws on the current international evidence to describe practical examples of pooled health and social care budgets, highlighting specific place-based approaches.

Methods

We initially conducted a scoping review, a systematic database search ('Medline', 'Embase', 'Econ Lit' and 'Google Scholar') complemented by further snowballing for academic and 'grey literature' publications (1995 - 2020). Results were analysed thematically according to budget characteristics and macro-environment, with additional specific case studies.

Results

Thirty-six primary studies were included, describing ten broad models of pooled budgets across seven countries. Most budgets targeted specific sub-populations rather than an entire geographically defined population. Specific budget structures varied and were generally under-described. The closest place-based models were for small populations and implemented in a national health system, or insurance-based with natural geographical boundaries.

Conclusion

Despite their increasing relevance in the current political debate, pooled place-based budgets are still at an early stage of implementation and research. Adequate description is required for future meta-analysis of effectiveness on outcomes.

Parental burnout: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

to map available evidence on parental burnout theme.

METHOD

scoping review as according to the Joanna Briggs Institute. Search in January 2021, in six databases of publications in English, Portuguese or Spanish, without time limits. Data extracted and descriptively analyzed by three independent researchers.

RESULTS

374 articles were identified and 20 were included in the final sample, all published in English, from 2017 onwards. Parental burnout is a complex, multifactorial problem, distinct from burnout cases, depressive symptoms and other mental health alterations. It affects 0.2 to 20% of parents, has validated and suitable instruments for measurement; if not treated, can have consequences on marital life, work relationships, child neglect and violence.

CONCLUSIONS

this is a recent theme that needs to be explored, due to the possible impact on children's and families' health and on parents' work processes. Protocol registered in the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/jd7vk).

Empirical Support for the Tenets of Sport Participation and Physical Activity-Based Models: A Scoping Review

Notwithstanding their wide-spread use, it is unclear what level of empirical evidence exists to support sport participation and physical activity-based models. Sport participation and physical activity-based models characterize different stages of sport involvement based on sport activities (organized and unorganized) individuals take part in throughout their lifespan. The objectives of this scoping review was to explore the nature of empirical support for tenets of sport participation and physical activity-based models describing the evolution of an individuals' sport participation. Seventeen different sport participation models were identified through an iterative literature review, using a snowball search strategy and expert (n = 8) consultation. Of the identified models, three described the evolution of an individual's sport participation based on their participation in different activities at various stages of sport involvement and were retained for the review. A second literature review identified peer-reviewed publications supporting at least one tenet of these three models. Many tenets of retained models received some empirical support from some of the 38 publications identified, but some tenets were not tested. Most of the evidence supporting tenets originated from studies among elite-level athletes. Whereas some evidence exists to support current sport participation and physical activity models, more research is warranted, particularly among the general population of non-elite athletes, for the models to be used in full confidence to guide sport policies, programs, and practices.

Current and possible future role of 3D modelling within oesophagogastric surgery: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction describes the generation of either virtual or physically printed anatomically accurate 3D models from two-dimensional medical images. Their implementation has revolutionised medical practice. Within surgery, key applications include growing roles in operative planning and procedures, surgical education and training, as well as patient engagement and education. In comparison to other surgical specialties, oesophagogastric surgery has been slow in their adoption of this technology. Herein the authors outline a scoping review protocol that aims to analyse the current role of 3D modelling in oesophagogastric surgery and highlight any unexplored avenues for future research.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The protocol was generated using internationally accepted methodological frameworks. A succinct primary question was devised, and a comprehensive search strategy was developed for key databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Elsevier Scopus and ISI Web of Science). These were searched from their inception to 1 June 2020. Reference lists will be reviewed by hand and grey literature identified using OpenGrey and Grey Literature Report. The protocol was registered to the Open Science Framework (osf.io/ta789).Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts and perform full-text reviews for study selection. There will be no methodological quality assessment to ensure a full thematic analysis is possible. A data charting tool will be created by the investigatory team. Results will be analysed to generate descriptive numerical tabular results and a thematic analysis will be performed.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was not required for the collection and analysis of the published data. The scoping review report will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and international conferences.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

The scoping review protocol has been registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/ta789).

Implementation and use of mHealth home telemonitoring in adults with acute COVID-19 infection: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

mHealth refers to digital technologies that, via smartphones, mobile apps and specialised digital sensors, yield real-time assessments of patient's health status. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, these technologies enable remote patient monitoring, with the benefit of timely recognition of disease progression to convalescence, deterioration or postacute sequelae. This should enable appropriate medical interventions and facilitate recovery. Various barriers, both at patient and technology levels, have been reported, hindering implementation and use of mHealth telemonitoring. As systematised and synthesised evidence in this area is lacking, we developed this protocol for a scoping review on mHealth home telemonitoring of acute COVID-19.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We compiled a search strategy following the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) and PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendation for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science will be searched from 1 March 2020 to 31 August 2021. Following the title and abstract screening, we will identify, systematise and synthesise the available knowledge. Based on pilot searches, we preview three themes for descriptive evidence synthesis. The first theme relates to implementation and use of mHealth telemonitoring, including reported barriers. The second theme covers the interactions of the telemonitoring team within and between different levels of the healthcare system. The third theme addresses how this telemonitoring warrants the continuity of care, also during disease transition into deterioration or postacute sequelae.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The studied evidence is in the public domain, therefore, no specific ethics approval is required. Evidence dissemination will be via peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and reports to the policy makers.

Methodological quality, guidance, and tools in scoping reviews: a scoping review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this scoping review is to identify and report upon evidence (such as guidance) or tools regarding methodological quality or risk of bias of scoping reviews.

INTRODUCTION

Scoping reviews have gained popularity in recent years but have been criticized for variations in their approaches. This scoping review will examine evidence on the methodological quality of scoping reviews, as well as identify and describe potential tools to inform the development of a tool for appraising the quality of scoping reviews.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

The scoping review will include all documents reporting on the development, evaluation, or conduct of tools addressing the critical appraisal or risk of bias of scoping reviews. The literature search will seek evidence published from 2005 onwards, corresponding with the publication of Arksey and O'Malley's framework for scoping reviews.

METHODS

The search strategy will aim to locate both published and unpublished documents utilizing a three-step search strategy. An initial search of PubMed has identified keyword and MeSH terms. A second search of PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL will follow. Google and Google Scholar will be searched for difficult-to-locate and unpublished literature. Authors will endeavor to consult with relevant methodologists through the authors' professional networks, social media accounts, and professional newsletters to obtain materials that can be considered for inclusion. Documents will be independently screened, selected, and extracted by two researchers and the data will be presented in tables.

Humor in Workplace Leadership: A Systematic Search Scoping Review

Humor studies are increasingly prevalent in workplace and leadership domains, it has shown significant development in the last 40 years. The multifaceted nature of humor means varied definitions and diverse measurement approaches have been approved. As a result, research methodologies and findings are not easily clarified, and have not been synthesized. The aim of this scoping review was to review the existing body of literature relevant to humor in workplace leadership to identify key research areas, methodologies used, guiding theoretical frameworks, and gaps that are persisting over the last 40 years. Using qualitative review methods, four key themes in the research emerged relating to: (1) humor styles and outcomes; (2) humor as communication and discursive resource; (3) variables in the humor and leadership relationship; and (4) cultural context. This review demonstrates significant research progress on the topic of humor in workplace leadership. Research progress and gaps are discussed based on five key questions. Future research directions are outlined and discussed.

Publication of meta-analyses in sleep medicine: a scoping review

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Sleep research has grown substantially in recent decades, producing a large amount of data and an increasing number of meta-analyses. This study sought to establish the volume of meta-analyses in this area and assess how this level of material has developed over time.

METHODS

A bibliographic search of the Web of Science database was conducted (1945-2019). The total number of articles and the total number of meta-analyses were extracted for both sleep medicine and a combination of 6 other medical specialties (cardiology, neurology, psychiatry, pulmonology, otorhinolaryngology, and pediatrics).

RESULTS

A total of 262,384 articles and 1,152 meta-analyses related to sleep medicine were identified. Considering the whole period under analysis, meta-analyses represented 0.44% of the total number of sleep medicine-related articles. Throughout this period, the proportion of meta-analyses published has been increasing in both sleep medicine and the other fields, but it is greater in the other fields. In 2019, meta-analyses in sleep medicine represented 1.10% of the publication output in this area but represented 1.62% of the other areas. However, sleep medicine's growth rate has been consistently higher than in the other fields. The United States, China, and the United Kingdom have been the top meta-analysis producers.

CONCLUSIONS

Meta-analyses in sleep medicine are underused. As a recent medical field, sleep medicine has more potential to grow and is likely to grow faster than other fields. Researchers should be encouraged to perform and publish meta-analyses on sleep medicine, as long as the analyses are reasonable and feasible from methodological, statistical. and practical perspectives.

Vertical transmission and COVID-19: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

Analyze available evidence related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vertical transmission.

METHODS

Scoping review, according to the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR. Searches were conducted in five electronic databases to find publications about coronavirus infection and vertical transmission. Data were extracted, analyzed and synthesized by three independent researchers using a descriptive approach.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 76 publications. After selective steps, 15 articles - retrospective descriptive or case studies - were analyzed, all in English. In order to track the infection, specimens were collected from neonates through nasal swabs and C-reactive protein from breast milk, cord blood, amniotic fluid, placenta and vaginal secretion was analyzed. A small percentage of neonates tested positive for COVID-19, but these cases were not attributed to vertical transmission.

CONCLUSION

Vertical transmission could not be demonstrated. Research protocol registered with the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/fawmv).

COVID-19 and pregnancy: A scoping review on pregnancy characteristics and outcomes

Aim

The study aim was to map clinical characteristics and the evolution of pregnancies in pregnant women with confirmed diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Methods

Searching four databases, studies were investigated that described the evolution of pregnancies in women diagnosed with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection through laboratory tests. A scoping review was undertaken, including 35 articles published in English. Two pairs of independent researchers synthesized the data.

Results

Most studies were case studies or case series and had a low risk of bias. A predominance of cases was found in women over the age of 30 years who got infected in the third term of pregnancy and who had comorbidities. The prematurity index varied with the heterogeneity of the samples, and the cases of abortion occurred in combination with severe forms of infection. Caesarean section deliveries predominated, indicated mainly by respiratory decompensation caused by infection. Most women were discharged.

Conclusion

Based on the reviewed studies, the profile and evolution of pregnant women infected with COVID‐19 could be evaluated.

What is already known about this topic?

In 2020, the COVID‐19 pandemic was decreed, currently accounting for more than 105 million cases and more than two million deaths.

Physiological changes of pregnancy predispose pregnant women to COVID‐19 infection.

The characteristics of pregnancy associated with COVID‐19 infection turn obstetric care into a constant challenge.

What this paper adds?

The review presents the profile of pregnant women infected by SARS‐CoV‐2, with laboratory confirmation using the diagnostic reference standard (PCR).

This review presents the profile of pregnant women infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 and the outcomes of the infection and pregnancy.

The implications of this paper:

Based on the knowledge of the profile, public policies can be planned to prevent and manage infection among pregnant and postpartum women.

Further studies are suggested, mainly follow‐up studies of cohorts with pregnant women infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 to expand knowledge about the profile and obstetric outcomes.

A Scoping Review and Content Analysis of Common Depressive Symptoms of Young People

School nurses are the most accessible health care providers for many young people including adolescents and young adults. Early identification of depression results in improved outcomes, but little information is available comprehensively describing depressive symptoms specific to this population. The aim of this study was to develop a taxonomy of depressive symptoms that were manifested and described by young people based on a scoping review and content analysis. Twenty-five journal articles that included narrative descriptions of depressive symptoms in young people were included. A total of 60 depressive symptoms were identified and categorized into five dimensions: behavioral (n = 8), cognitive (n = 14), emotional (n = 15), interpersonal (n = 13), and somatic (n = 10). This comprehensive depression symptom taxonomy can help school nurses to identify young people who may experience depression and will support future research to better screen for depression.

The needs-based health workforce planning method: a systematic scoping review of analytical applications

Although the theoretical underpinnings and analytical framework for needs-based health workforce planning are well developed and tested, its uptake in national planning processes is still limited. Towards the development of open-access needs-based planning model for national workforce planning, we conducted a systematic scoping review of analytical applications of needs-based health workforce models. Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses-extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist, a systematic scoping review was conducted. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature published in English was undertaken across several databases. Papers retrieved were assessed against predefined inclusion criteria, critically appraised, extracted and synthesized. Twenty-five papers were included, which showed increasing uptake of the needs-based health workforce modelling, with 84% of the studies published within the last decade (2010-20). Three countries (Canada, Australia and England) accounted for 48% of the publications included whilst four studies (16%) were based on low-and-middle-income countries. Only three of the studies were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Most of the studies (36%) reported analytical applications for specific disease areas/programs at sub-national levels; 20% focused on the health system need for particular categories of health workers, and only two (8%) reported the analytical application of the needs-based health workforce approach at the level of a national health system across several disease areas/programs. Amongst the studies that conducted long-term projections, the time horizon of the projection was an average of 17 years, ranging from 3 to 33 years. Most of these studies had a minimum time horizon of 10 years. Across the studies, we synthesized six typical methodological considerations for advancing needs-based health workforce modelling. As countries aspire to align health workforce investments with population health needs, the need for some level of methodological harmonization, open-access needs-based models and guidelines for policy-oriented country-level use is not only imperative but urgent.

Female Veteran Use of Palliative and Hospice Care: A Scoping Review

INTRODUCTION

The number of female veterans in the USA in the age range of 55-64 years increased 7-fold from 2000 to 2015. Female veterans are more likely to suffer from certain mental health disorders, respiratory diseases, neurologic diseases, and some forms of cancer when compared to their male counterparts. Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare providers need to be prepared to care for this growth of female veterans with serious illness. These serious illnesses require appropriate medical management, which often includes palliative care. It is imperative to determine how VA healthcare providers integrate palliative and hospice care for this population. The purpose of our scoping review was to explore the palliative and hospice care literature specific to female veterans to learn: (1) what evidence is available regarding female veterans' use of palliative and hospice care? (2) To meet the needs of this growing population, what gaps exist specific to female veterans' use of palliative and hospice care?

METHODS

A scoping review methodology was employed following the nine-step process described by the Joanna Briggs Institute for conducting scoping reviews.

RESULTS

Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Fourteen quantitative articles were included which comprised 10 retrospective chart reviews, one randomized controlled trial, one correlation, one quality improvement, and one cross-sectional. The remaining five were qualitative studies. The sample populations within the articles were overwhelmingly male and white. Content analysis of the articles revealed three themes: quality of end of life care, distress, and palliative care consult.

CONCLUSIONS

The female veteran population is increasing and becoming more ethnically diverse. Female veterans are not well represented in the literature. Our review also uncovered a significant gap in the study methodologies. We found that retrospective chart reviews dominated the palliative and hospice care literature specific to veterans. More prospective study designs are needed that explore the veteran and family experience while receiving end of life care. With the rising number of older female veterans and their risk for serious illness, it is imperative that research studies purposefully recruit, retain, analyze, and report female veteran statistics along with their male counterparts. We can no longer afford to disregard the value of the female veterans' perspective.