PRISMA flow diagram for a scoping review
Updated 2026-09-24
Scoping reviews follow the PRISMA-ScR extension, which also asks for a flow diagram. The PRISMA 2020 layout works well once you adapt the wording.
What PRISMA-ScR asks for
The PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (Tricco et al., Annals of Internal Medicine 2018) asks you to report the number of sources of evidence screened, assessed for eligibility and included, with reasons for exclusion at each stage, ideally in a flow diagram. This is item 14 of that checklist.
Adapt the PRISMA 2020 template
Scoping reviews often include more than journal articles, such as reports, guidelines or grey literature. Rename "studies" to "sources of evidence" where it fits your protocol. Every label in the generator is editable, so you can change the wording in place. If you searched websites or organisations, choose the template with other methods.
Differences from a systematic review
- Scoping reviews usually do not appraise study quality, so the diagram ends at inclusion.
- Included items are "sources of evidence", which may not be studies.
- The eligibility criteria are usually broader, which can mean more full-text exclusions.
Check your guidance
Follow the guidance your team uses for the review, for example the JBI methodology, and confirm the diagram wording with your target journal. The systematic review guide covers the counts that apply to both review types.
Quick answers
Can I use the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram for a scoping review?
Yes. The layout is widely adapted for scoping reviews. Rename labels such as studies to sources of evidence where your protocol needs it.
Source of the flow diagram wording: Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 2021;372:n71. doi:10.1136/bmj.n71. Licensed CC BY 4.0. This site is independent and not affiliated with the PRISMA or EQUATOR Network groups.