Introduction:

Currently, health systems around the world are betting on making clinical decisions based on scientific evidence. For this, it is essential that healthcare providers consult the results of scientific research. However, given the large amount of literature, researchers have developed knowledge synthesis methodologies to compile scientific studies within a specific area. Although there are more than 10 types of methodologies for reviewing the literature, Scoping Reviews have received little attention in the literature on Spanish-speaking scientific research methods.

Objective:

Detail the Scoping Review methodology, its purposes and the phases for its development.

Development:

This paper details the generalities of Scoping Reviews based on the methodology proposed by Arksey & O'Malley. It also describes the areas where this type of review can be employed, the phases to develop the review and examples.

Conclusions:

Scoping Reviews have the strength to inform healthcare providers and policy on a specific topic of interest. Like Systematic Reviews, Scoping Reviews uses a clear and replicable methodology, providing reliable and scientific data for healthcare providers, policy makers and researchers.