Scoping Reviews

QUESTION

I have found several scoping reviews were without conclusions, editorial policies without appraisal processes, and very difficult-to-read articles, mostly a population that did not apply to the PICOT question. Some literature made recommendations for further research for a different population or setting. Also, the search was limited to intraoperative nursing topics, but many articles focused on perioperative topics.

Some practitioners lack trust in data as one of the identified barriers to implementing evidence-based practice in the clinical setting; therefore, it is crucial to analyze bodies of evidence for reliable findings critically. It can be risky to implement research from randomized controlled trials can be expensive, resource-intensive, and time-consuming for stakeholders, and funding can be challenging to obtain; patient trust and health will be jeopardized if wrong (Munday et .al, 2020).

A research gap is the subject or part of the research body of evidence lacking information or providing insufficient information limiting the ability to conclude. The gaps will influence other researchers to use the spirit of inquiry in the existing research to explore new research. The gaps found in the research article in the conclusion section, final interpretations, stated as future directions, or suggestions at the end if it is not indicated by the authors, critically appraised to see if it Supports the research question.

Podgorodnichenko, Edgar, & Akmal (2021) describes gaps in research findings as the knowledge lost before translation and the knowledge lost in translation. Knowledge lost before translation refers to relevant research findings and communication. The knowledge lost in translation is the gap referring to academic research findings that lack relevance to practitioners and translation.

What is your comment/feedback on this statement. Please add reference. Thank you

FYI, this is the question of this answer: When reviewing the literature for your evaluation plan and different types of evidence for your project, what gaps in the findings did you encounter? How could these gaps influence other researchers?

ANSWER

The statement provided highlights the importance of critically analyzing bodies of evidence and identifying research gaps. It acknowledges the existence of scoping reviews without conclusions, editorial policies lacking appraisal processes, and difficult-to-read articles that may not directly address the PICOT question or apply to the intended population. These challenges can make it difficult to draw reliable conclusions and impede the implementation of evidence-based practice in the clinical setting.

The lack of trust in data is identified as a barrier to implementing evidence-based practice. This highlights the need for practitioners to critically appraise research findings and ensure their reliability before applying them to patient care. It is crucial to recognize that not all research articles may meet the desired criteria or provide sufficient information to draw definitive conclusions.

Research gaps play a significant role in influencing future research. When reviewing literature, identifying these gaps is essential as they indicate areas where knowledge is lacking or insufficient. These gaps can inspire other researchers to use the spirit of inquiry to explore new avenues of research and bridge the existing knowledge gaps. By building upon existing research, researchers can contribute to the advancement of knowledge and provide more comprehensive evidence to inform practice.

The concept of “knowledge lost before translation” and “knowledge lost in translation” as described by Podgorodnichenko, Edgar, & Akmal (2021) further emphasizes the importance of research gaps. Knowledge lost before translation refers to research findings that may exist but have not been effectively communicated or disseminated to practitioners. This highlights the need for improved knowledge dissemination strategies to bridge the gap between research and practice. On the other hand, knowledge lost in translation refers to research findings that may not be relevant or applicable to practitioners due to various factors. This highlights the importance of ensuring research findings are applicable and meaningful in real-world clinical settings.

In conclusion, the statement underscores the importance of critically appraising research, identifying gaps in the findings, and acknowledging the barriers to implementing evidence-based practice. Research gaps can inspire further inquiry and contribute to the growth of knowledge in specific areas. However, it is crucial for researchers and practitioners to critically analyze and evaluate the evidence to ensure its reliability and relevance in informing clinical practice.