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Scoping Reviews

Library guide for the development of scoping reviews, their associated systematic searches, and required reporting.

Apply PCC

What is PCC?

PCC (Population (or participants)/Concept/Context) framework is recommended by JBI to identify the main concepts in your primary review questions. The framework will then inform your search strategy. Breaking down your question in this way allows you to check for any potentially missed inclusion and exclusion criteria for your protocol.

Example

Topic: Models of nurse-led care in chronic disease in high-income countries

Primary review question:

  • What nurse-led models of care are used to manage chronic disease in high income countries?
PCC element Definition (per JBI Reviewer's Manual Ch. 11) Example
Population

"Important characteristics of participants, including age and other qualifying criteria" (11.2.4)

You may not need to include this element unless your question focuses on a specific condition or cohort.

 NA*
Concept

"The core concept examined by the scoping review should be clearly articulated to guide the scope and breadth of the inquiry. This may include details that pertain to elements that would be detailed in a standard systematic review, such as the "interventions" and/or "phenomena of interest" and/or "outcomes"" (11.2.4)

nurse-led models of care used to manage chronic disease
Context "May include... cultural factors such as geographic location and/or specific racial or gender-based interests. In some cases, context may also encompass details about the specific setting." high income countries
* NA here, as our example considers chronic diseases broadly, not a specific condition/population - such as women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.