Understanding the Unmet Needs, Experiences, and Perspectives of COPD Caregivers: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) poses significant challenges, not only to patients but also to their caregivers, who often experience substantial unmet needs, stress, and emotional burdens. This scoping review synthesizes existing literature to understand the experiences, perspectives, and challenges faced by caregivers of COPD patients. A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted, focusing on studies addressing unmet needs, psychological experiences, and the day-to-day realities of caregivers. The review reveals that COPD caregivers frequently encounter inadequate support, insufficient information, and heightened emotional and physical strain. These factors contribute to negative mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and caregiver burnout. Moreover, the review highlights the disparity in care and support services across different healthcare settings, with a particular emphasis on the need for targeted interventions that address the unique challenges of COPD caregiving. The findings underscore the importance of integrating caregivers' needs into COPD management plans and the development of policies that recognize and support their role. The review concludes with recommendations for future research to fill existing gaps in the literature and for healthcare providers to implement strategies that enhance caregiver well-being, thereby improving overall patient care.