Funding systems for care needs of older adults in residential aged care facilities in the Asia-Pacific region: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this review is to explore the care needs as assessed by the public residential aged care funding systems of Asia-Pacific countries that use both taxation and means-tested user charge.

Introduction: The Asia-Pacific region is at the forefront of population aging. There is increasing reliance on residential aged care facilities to provide formal care, but limited understanding of how care needs are assessed. Most countries have adopted taxation as the primary means to levy capital for funding essential health services; funding may be means-tested for equity.

Inclusion criteria: The population of interest is older adults eligible for care in residential aged care facilities who receive assistance to fund their care. Sources that address the care needs of residents and the assessments relating to care needs, as well as funding systems (taxation, means-testing), will be considered for inclusion. This review will consider any quantitative study, qualitative study, mixed method study, or report from any country in the Asia-Pacific region.

Methods: Databases to be searched include Embase, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and the JBI Database for Evidence-based Practice. Additional records will be identified through the gray literature database Trove, reference lists of included studies, and relevant health organization websites. Sources published in English since 2008 will be eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts, and full-texts for inclusion. Data will be extracted and findings summarized in tabular format and narrative synthesis. Any disagreements between the reviewers will be resolved through discussion or with a third reviewer.

Scoping review registration: Open Science Framework; https://osf.io/h9g7q.