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An exploration of the unmet needs of patients diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): A scoping review protocol

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 life 1. 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 Institute 3. 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. Keywords: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Unmet needs, support, barrier