Palliative care in the treatment of women with breast cancer: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

IntroductionCurrently, breast cancer ranks first among female malignancies; hence, there are strong recommendations for the early inclusion of these patients in palliative care. Palliative care aims to alleviate symptoms improving the quality of life of dying patients, an essential component of breast cancer care. This study aimed to map and synthesise the available evidence on palliative care for women with breast cancer and to discuss the review results with stakeholders.MethodsA scoping review protocol is presented in this article, consisting of two phases. In the first phase, a scoping review study will be conducted adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines and guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Nine databases, an electronic repository, a trial register website, grey literature and additional sources will be searched. A focus group discussion with six stakeholders will occur in the second phase. The analysis will be performed through inductive and manifest content analysis using the IRaMuTeQ V.0.7 alpha software.Ethics and disseminationThe scoping review protocol did not require ethical approval. However, the study’s second phase has been approved by the institutional review board of Maternidade Escola Assis Chateaubriand/MEAC/UFC. The findings will be disseminated through professional networks, conference presentations and publications.