Stage 1 Registered Report: A scoping review protocol to map the evidence on family carers who combine work with care [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

Abstract

Background: Family carers are considered the backbone of care provision in the community for those who are dependent due to frailty, disability or chronic illness. As the proportion of older people increases worldwide, it is anticipated that there will be a corresponding increase in reliance on family carers. Furthermore, due to the increasing participation of women in the workforce and delayed retirement, the proportion of carers who combine paid employment with caregiving responsibilities is likely to increase. Consequently, support for family carers who balance work with care is becoming a growing health, business, economic and social issue. However, research in this field is somewhat fragmented. Aim: This paper presents a protocol for a scoping review which aims to systematically and comprehensively map out the available published and unpublished literature on family carers who combine work with caring responsibilities. Methods: The scoping review will be undertaken in six steps: (1) identify the research question; (2) identify relevant studies; (3) select studies; (4) chart the data; (5) collate, summarise and report the results and (6) consult with relevant stakeholders. The review will be guided by the PRISMA-ScR framework guidelines to ensure methodological and reporting quality. A minimum of two reviewers will independently review articles for inclusion within the review. The review process will be iterative and the research question(s) and search strategy will be refined as the review progresses. Conclusion: This review will provide a mapped synthesis of the extent and nature of the available published and unpublished literature on family carers who juggle the competing demands of caregiving and paid work. Findings will be used to determine whether there is merit in carrying out a full systematic literature review and will provide direction for the next steps of a larger research project, which aims to support family carers in the workplace.