Mapping current research relating to family and partners of people with chronic kidney disease (kidney carers): A scoping review

Moore, Currie

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of this scoping review are to identify the extent, type and outcomes (including intervention and innovations) in current research relating to people who support those with chronic kidney disease (kidney carers).

Introduction: Carers, often family members, partners or friends, provide fundamental support to people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although research on carers is growing, it often focuses on specific treatment groups (e.g., haemodialysis, transplant) rather than across the CKD pathway thereby limiting comparisons between groups and identification of trends and gaps in carer research.
Inclusion criteria: Participants will be informal carers (i.e., family members, partners, friends) of people with CKD (Stage 3-5, all treatment groups including adult and paediatrics). The concept is empirical evidence, including qualitative, quantitative studies and systematic/scoping reviews, that report outcomes, interventions, innovations or experiences of kidney carers. The context is broadly set to allow the exploration of research patterns across countries and service provision.

Methods:
This scoping review follows methodological framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley [1] and in line with the PRISMA scoping review guidelines [2]. The search strategy will be created with an academic librarian and optimised for each database (CINAHL, Medline, Web of science, Proquest Health & Medicine). Citations will be uploaded to Covidence and screened (title and abstract then full text) by the research team following eligibility criteria. Data will be extracted by three members of the research team and checked for accuracy by another member of the team. Data extracted will inform the research objectives.

Keywords: caregivers; chronic renal insufficiency; end stage renal disease; research design

• Other Type: Protocol
• Publication Date: May 18, 2025
• Deposit Date: May 18, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: May 21, 2025