Clarifying the Concept of Biological Entropy in Health Sciences: A Scoping Review

Abstract / Description: Biological entropy has emerged as a promising biomarker for quantifying physiological complexity and adaptability in health sciences. However, despite its growing application in cardiovascular, neurological, and oncological domains, the field suffers from significant conceptual inconsistencies and a "directional paradox" (where high entropy can indicate either health or pathology depending on the context). This scoping review aims to systematically clarify the concept, operationalization, and clinical interpretation of biological entropy. Adhering to the JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) guidelines and PRISMA-ScR standards, this study employs a hybrid methodological framework: Concept Analysis: Utilizing Walker and Avant’s method to deconstruct the definitions, attributes, antecedents, and consequences of biological entropy, resolving terminological ambiguities. Evidence Synthesis: Mapping the current evidence landscape to identify research paradigms across diverse clinical settings. Theoretical Reconstruction: Developing an "Evidence Maturity Tiers" system (from mechanism to utility) and a "Boundary-Validation-Translation (BVT)" framework. The ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between theoretical complexity measures and actionable clinical decision support, providing a standardized roadmap for future translational research.