This paper discusses scoping studies, a method for reviewing literature that has received limited attention in research methods literature. The authors distinguish between different types of scoping studies and their relationship to systematic reviews. They propose a framework for conducting scoping studies based on their experience reviewing literature on services for carers of people with mental health problems. They contrast their approach with that of systematic reviews and emphasize the value of including a consultation exercise to enhance the usefulness of the results for policymakers, practitioners, and service users. The authors also consider the advantages and limitations of scoping studies and suggest that a wider debate is needed about their role in relation to other types of literature reviews. Scoping studies are a type of literature review that aims to map the key concepts and available evidence in a research area. They differ from systematic reviews in that they do not aim to answer specific research questions or assess the quality of included studies. Instead, they may be used to examine the extent and nature of research activity, determine the feasibility of a full systematic review, summarize research findings, or identify research gaps. The authors outline a methodological framework for conducting a scoping study, which includes identifying the research question, identifying relevant studies, study selection, charting the data, and collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. They also discuss the importance of a consultation exercise to inform and validate findings. The framework is based on their experience of conducting a scoping study on services to support carers of people with mental health problems. The authors note that scoping studies can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, and that they do not assess the quality of evidence in primary research reports. However, they provide a rigorous and transparent method for mapping areas of research and identifying gaps in the evidence base. They also highlight the importance of including a variety of study designs and methodologies in scoping studies, as opposed to the focus on randomized control trials in systematic reviews. The authors conclude that scoping studies can provide a valuable contribution to the evidence base in health and social care, but further research is needed to develop and refine the method.This paper discusses scoping studies, a method for reviewing literature that has received limited attention in research methods literature. The authors distinguish between different types of scoping studies and their relationship to systematic reviews. They propose a framework for conducting scoping studies based on their experience reviewing literature on services for carers of people with mental health problems. They contrast their approach with that of systematic reviews and emphasize the value of including a consultation exercise to enhance the usefulness of the results for policymakers, practitioners, and service users. The authors also consider the advantages and limitations of scoping studies and suggest that a wider debate is needed about their role in relation to other types of literature reviews. Scoping studies are a type of literature review that aims to map the key concepts and available evidence in a research area. They differ from systematic reviews in that they do not aim to answer specific research questions or assess the quality of included studies. Instead, they may be used to examine the extent and nature of research activity, determine the feasibility of a full systematic review, summarize research findings, or identify research gaps. The authors outline a methodological framework for conducting a scoping study, which includes identifying the research question, identifying relevant studies, study selection, charting the data, and collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. They also discuss the importance of a consultation exercise to inform and validate findings. The framework is based on their experience of conducting a scoping study on services to support carers of people with mental health problems. The authors note that scoping studies can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, and that they do not assess the quality of evidence in primary research reports. However, they provide a rigorous and transparent method for mapping areas of research and identifying gaps in the evidence base. They also highlight the importance of including a variety of study designs and methodologies in scoping studies, as opposed to the focus on randomized control trials in systematic reviews. The authors conclude that scoping studies can provide a valuable contribution to the evidence base in health and social care, but further research is needed to develop and refine the method.