While a systematic review aims to answer a clearly defined and answerable research question, scoping reviews typically assess the volume and scope of research available on a topic. This may begin with a broad and loosely defined search to clarify key concepts in the literature and identify gaps and opportunities for future research. This will require multiple structured search strategies across several databases and other techniques such as hand-searching important journals in the field. A scoping review often collates and presents the research available without synthesis or quality appraisal. It may be conducted as a standalone piece of work or as a precursor to a systematic review.
For a comprehensive introduction to scoping reviews, read Chapter 10 of the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis.
For a more in-depth exploration of the question of which is more appropriate, watch the JBI video - should I conduct a scoping review or a systematic review?