Use of geographical information systems in multiple sclerosis research: A systematic scoping review

Introduction Geographical information system (GIS) and spatial analysis have an emerging role in the understanding management of health-related outcomes. However, there is a knowledge gap about extent to which GIS has supported multiple Sclerosis (MS) research. Therefore, this review aimed explore types applications complexity their visualisation MS Methods A systematic scoping was conducted based on York's five-stage framework. PubMed, Scopus Web Science were searched for relevant studies published between 2000 2020 using comprehensive search strategy main concepts related MS. Grounded, inductive organize into meaningful application areas. Further, we developed tool assess selected papers. Results Of 3,723 identified unique citations, 42 papers met our inclusion criteria final review. One or more following reported by these studies: (a) thematic mapping (37 papers); (b) cluster detection (16 (c) risk factors (d) health access planning (two papers). In majority (88%), score relatively low: three less from range zero six. Conclusions Although number techniques dramatically increased last decade, use areas still under-researched. Additionally, capacity visualising complex nature care not yet fully investigated.