Beyond the Map: Considering Reporting Quality to Strengthen Scoping Reviews

Summary This study used the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool to assess the reporting quality of 89 studies included in a scoping review of digital assessments in medical education. Although most studies clearly stated their aims and designs, many lacked an explicit theoretical framework, offered limited rationale for methodological choices, and involved few relevant stakeholders. Quantitative approaches, particularly questionnaires, remained the dominant study design across the evidence base, regardless of the stated research aims. The study argues that scoping reviews should consider the reporting quality of included studies strengthen transparency and research integrity, moving beyond a sole focus on mapping the field. Strengthening guidance for authors, reviewers, and editors on reporting expectations can help ensure that scoping reviews contribute more reliably to scholarly communication and decision‐making.

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Publication Details

Journal
Learned Publishing
Published
2025-12-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/leap.2036
Primary Topic
Meta-analysis and systematic reviews
Type
article
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article

Beyond the Map: Considering Reporting Quality to Strengthen Scoping Reviews

Jennifer Cleland, Chin‐Siang Ang, Sakura Ito
Learned Publishing
Meta-analysis and systematic reviews
article

Beyond the Map: Considering Reporting Quality to Strengthen Scoping Reviews

Jennifer Cleland, Chin‐Siang Ang, Sakura Ito
article en

Abstract

Summary This study used the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool to assess the reporting quality of 89 studies included in a scoping review of digital assessments in medical education. Although most studies clearly stated their aims and designs, many lacked an explicit theoretical framework, offered limited rationale for methodological choices, and involved few relevant stakeholders. Quantitative approaches, particularly questionnaires, remained the dominant study design across the evidence base, regardless of the stated research aims. The study argues that scoping reviews should consider the reporting quality of included studies strengthen transparency and research integrity, moving beyond a sole focus on mapping the field. Strengthening guidance for authors, reviewers, and editors on reporting expectations can help ensure that scoping reviews contribute more reliably to scholarly communication and decision‐making.

Learned PublishingVol. 39(1)
Nanyang Technological University (SG)
Openalex Percentile: Top 62%
Meta-analysis and systematic reviews
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