An exploration of the unmet needs of patients diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): a scoping review protocol
Authors: Bramhill Carita , Langan Donna , Mulryan Helen , Eustace-Cook Jessica , Russell Anne-Marie , Brady Anne-Marie 
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) consist of a range of lung disorders with the most prevalent being Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)1 2. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive disease, resulting in loss of lung function and potentially significant Impacts on quality of life1. There is an increasing need to address unmet needs in this population as there is evidence that unmet needs may impact quality of life and health outcomes. The key objective of this scoping is to define the unmet needs of patients living with a diagnosis of IPF and to identify gaps in the literature relating to unmet needs. Findings will inform the development of services and the introduction of patient-centred clinical care guidelines for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

Methods and Analysis

This scoping review is guided by the methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute3. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist is used for guidance. The following databases will be searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsyhcoInfo (EBSCO platform), Web of Science (Core Collection), Embase (Elsevier), ASSIA Proquest). A comprehensive review of grey literature will be completed. Two independent reviewers will screen articles in consecutive stages from title/abstract screening to full-text screening for relevance against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data will be extracted using a predefined data extraction form. Data will be analysed using descriptive and thematic analysis. Findings will be presented in a general descriptive overview and tabular summaries coupled with a narrative summary of findings.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this scoping review protocol. This protocol was peer reviewed by Academics as part of the doctoral programme of study. We will disseminate our findings using traditional approaches that include open access peer-reviewed publication and scientific presentations.

Strengths and Limitations of the study

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A comprehensive peer reviewed search strategy will be used to guide this review, incorporating expertise from multiple disciplines to maximize the effectiveness of the search strategy.

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This review will provide a comprehensive mapping of the literature related to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and unmet needs including a comprehensive grey literature search.

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This scoping review will apply the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodological framework guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist.

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A team-based analysis will enhance analytical rigour and integrity of the findings.

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The full text review will limit to articles from 2011 to present, as anti-fibrotic medication for IPF was not widely available prior to 2011.

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Studies in languages other than English are excluded.