Exploring the definitions of gender bias in healthcare literature: a scoping review protocol

Introduction: Despite growing recognition of gender bias in healthcare, there is a lack of clarity on how gender bias is defined and understood in the literature. Existing definitions often did not consider modern gender constructs, limiting their applicability to current healthcare practices. In order to address these issues, we aim to perform a scoping review (ScR) to systematically explore what definitions and which characteristics of gender bias are found in the literature. Methods: This protocol follows the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for ScR and reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy will be performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and other relevant sources (date of last search: January, 15th 2025). We will include any studies that aim to provide structured definitions or conceptual frameworks to define and/or understand gender bias within healthcare clinical settings. Data will be charted using a standardized form to capture the characteristics of definitions, along with the healthcare population and contexts where gender bias has been described. Definitions will be described assessing their relevance from an analytical perspective and their potential for implementation. The findings will be summarized descriptively, with summary tables and figures to highlight key characteristics of the included studies.