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Chart, Don't Theme. Why Reflexive Thematic Analysis is a Poor Fit for Scoping Reviews.
Anél Wiese1, Lauren A Maggio2, Deirdre Bennett1
1Medical Education Unit, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Ireland.
Perspectives on Medical Education
|July 11, 2026
Summary
Scoping reviews should use charting, not thematic analysis, for evidence mapping. Applying thematic analysis to summarized data in scoping reviews creates methodological mismatches and can mislead readers.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education Research
- Research Methodology
Background:
- Scoping reviews are used to map evidence in medical education.
- A trend exists of using thematic analysis on summarized results within scoping reviews.
- This practice represents a methodological mismatch.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the methodological mismatch between scoping reviews and reflexive thematic analysis.
- To highlight the risks of applying interpretive qualitative methods to secondary data in scoping reviews.
- To propose alternative fit-for-purpose methods for evidence mapping.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of scoping review methodology and reflexive thematic analysis principles.
- Identification of seven key points of methodological clash.
- Recommendation of alternative methods like structured charting, framework-based mapping, and qualitative content analysis.
Main Results:
- Reflexive thematic analysis is designed for primary qualitative data, not secondary summarized data.
- Scoping reviews require descriptive, aggregative logic for transparency and reproducibility.
- Mixing these methods leads to misinterpretation, weakened audit trails, and overstated claims.
Conclusions:
- Using thematic analysis in scoping reviews is inappropriate and risks misleading interpretations.
- Credible evidence mapping in scoping reviews requires descriptive and aggregative approaches.
- Structured charting is a recommended alternative for transparent and reproducible evidence mapping.
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