Financial interventions for family caregivers of individuals with chronic illness: a scoping review protocol

BMJ Open. 2022 Aug 10;12(8):e061667. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061667.

Abstract

Introduction: There are 53 million caregivers in the USA providing informal care for individuals with chronic illnesses. These caregivers contribute significantly to the healthcare system, yet they may experience adverse consequences due to caregiving, including financial burden. The purpose of this scoping review is to fill a research gap on understanding the nature and effect of financial interventions for family caregivers.

Methods and analysis: This study will use the Arksey and O'Malley scoping review framework to systematically search for articles in MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Dissertations & Theses Global, and Web of Science during April 2022. Articles published from 1997 to the present will be included for the review. Data from articles will be extracted and summarised for financial intervention nature, scope, measurement, effect and health system context.

Ethics and dissemination: This study does not include human subjects; therefore, no ethical review will be undertaken. Findings will be disseminated in scholarly journals and at caregiving and ageing conferences, such as the Gerontological Society of America.

Keywords: geriatric medicine; health economics; palliative care.

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers*
  • Chronic Disease* / therapy
  • Delivery of Health Care / economics
  • Financial Stress
  • Humans
  • Systematic Reviews as Topic