Scoping review: a relevant methodological approach for knowledge synthesis in Brazil’s health literature

Authors

  • Valter Cordeiro Barbosa Filho Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Ceara, Aracati, Brazil. Post-graduate Program in Collective Health, Ceara State University, Fortaleza, Brazil. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4769-4068
  • Andrea C. Tricco Unity Health Toronto: Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital of Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Epidemiology Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Queen’s Collaboration for Health Care Quality, Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4114-8971

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12820/rbafs.24e0082

Keywords:

Systematic reviews, Knowledge synthesis, Methodology, Evidence-based healthcare, Brazil

Abstract

A methodologically robust approach to synthesize relevant knowledge in health literature is the scoping review, which is used to answer broader questions (e.g., “What is known about this concept?”) and can be used to map evidence for research and practice decision-making. This paper discussed the importance of scoping reviews as a methodological approach for knowledge synthesis in Brazil’s health literature. Definitions and methodological steps were discussed. We examined 45 scoping reviews that were published in Brazil’s journals or available as thesis or dissertations to discuss their content and methodological characteristics. Recommendations for authors were presented in order to improve the planning, executing and reporting of further scoping reviews in Brazil. This will help Brazilian researchers and health professionals to understand when and how scoping reviews can be helpful for knowledge synthesis on health topics, including for physical activity and health research area.

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Author Biography

Valter Cordeiro Barbosa Filho, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Ceara, Aracati, Brazil. Post-graduate Program in Collective Health, Ceara State University, Fortaleza, Brazil.

Cursou Licenciatura em Educação Física na Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC). Foi bolsista do Programa Instituicional de Bolsas de Iniciação Científica (PIBIC - CNPq) durante dois anos (2007-2009). Participou de projetos de Pesquisa e Extensão da UFC, desenvolvendo pesquisas de caráter observacional e experimental. Concluiu o Mestrado em Educação Física na Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) como membro do Centro de Pesquisa em Exercício e Esporte (CEPEE). Concluiu o Doutorado em Educação Física na Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, na linha de pesquisa de Atividade Física e Saúde, onde permanece como pesquisador colaborador do Núcleo de Pesquisa em Atividade Física e Saúde (NuPAF/UFSC). Atualmente, é professor do Instituto Federal do Ceará. Tem experiência na área de Educação Física, com ênfase em Formação em Educação Física, Epidemiologia da Atividade Física, Mediadores da Atividade Física, Estilo de Vida, Promoção da Saúde, Saúde do Escolar Aptidão Física e Obesidade.

References

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Published

12/10/2019

How to Cite

1.
Barbosa Filho VC, Tricco AC. Scoping review: a relevant methodological approach for knowledge synthesis in Brazil’s health literature. Rev. Bras. Ativ. Fís. Saúde [Internet]. 2019 Dec. 10 [cited 2025 Jan. 21];24:1-6. Available from: https://rbafs.org.br/RBAFS/article/view/14010

Issue

Vol. 24 (2019)

Section

Technical Series on Physical Activity and Health

License

Copyright (c) 2019 Valter Cordeiro Barbosa Filho, Andrea C. Tricco

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