Open Access

Daniel Vélez Gutiérrez, Juan Antonio Ortega, Natividad Martínez Madrid, Ralf SeepoldORCiD

• Scoping reviews represent a powerful methodological tool for synthesizing knowledge across broad and interdisciplinary domains, particularly where technological advancements intersect with medical practice. Unlike traditional systematic reviews that rely on narrowly defined research questions and stringent inclusion criteria, scoping reviews allow for a wider scope of inquiry and the inclusion of diverse evidence types, including grey literature, technical reports, and early-stage research. This flexibility is particularly advantageous when assessing the impact of emerging technologies on medical protocols and interventions, where the pace of innovation often outstrips the availability of standardized clinical data. This paper explores the methodological advantages of scoping reviews in the context of investigating technological implementations in healthcare. As a practical illustration, we present a case study on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the treatment of insomnia. We outline the process of developing a scoping review protocol tailored to this topic and discuss how it supports a comprehensive understanding of the field, enables identification of knowledge gaps, and informs future research directions. The findings underscore the value of scoping reviews in mapping complex, evolving research landscapes and in facilitating interdisciplinary insights that may be missed by more narrowly focused review methodologies.