The Needs of Family Caregivers of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Scoping Review protocol

Introduction: Family caregivers of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) play an essential role in managing the complex needs of these patients. This scoping review aims to explore, synthesize, and map the existing literature on the needs of family caregivers of COPD empowerment challenges. Methods and analysis: The primary research question guiding this scoping review is: What are the needs of family caregivers of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? This review will be conducted following the methodological framework outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for scoping reviews. The eligibility criteria will be determined using the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework. A comprehensive search will be carried out in electronic databases including MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, as well as Persian scientific databases and grey literature sources, covering studies published up to May 2024 without language restrictions. Two independent reviewers will screen and select studies for inclusion. A standardized data extraction form, developed specifically for this review, will be used to collect relevant information. Data will be analyzed thematically to identify and categorize the various needs of family caregivers. Findings will be synthesized and presented through tables, figures, and narrative summaries to highlight key themes and gaps in the existing literature. Ethics and dissemination: This research does not entail the participation of human or animal subjects. All data utilized will be extracted exclusively from existing published literature. The findings generated from this study are intended for dissemination through submission to an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal, as well as presentation at scientific conferences focused on copd care giver needs.