A scoping review (ScR) is a widely used method of evidence synthesis for identifying and mapping the available evidence on a specific topic, field, concept, or issue. This article presents the guidelines for conducting a ScR using a systematic and rigorous methodology. The steps for conducting a ScR, illustrated with examples from anesthesia and pain medicine research, are as follows: (1) building a review team, (2) formulating broad research questions, (3) developing and registering a ScR protocol, (4) identifying relevant studies through a systematic search, (5) extracting data using predefined templates, (6) analyzing and presenting the evidence, (7) consulting with stakeholders and/or experts, and (8) reporting the results transparently. ScRs are valuable methods of evidence synthesis, enabling researchers in anesthesia and pain medicine to map and explore the breadth of existing evidence.
Hyun‐Ju Seo (2026) studied this question.