Psychosocial vulnerability among carers of persons living with a chronic illness: A scoping review.

Aims: To outline and examine evidence related to the meaning of 'psychosocial vulnerability' among caregivers of persons with chronic illnesses. Background: The number of informal caregivers continues to rise globally. Their risk of psychosocial vulnerability is frequently overlooked, but understanding their psychosocial vulnerability may offer insights into meeting their needs. Design Scoping review following the PRISMA 2020 extension guidelines. Data sources The databases CINAHL, Embase, Medline/Pubmed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Lenus and ProQuest were systematically searched to identify original research. No date limit was set, and 23 studies were included. Review methods: A five‐step approach using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Thematic analysis guided data analysis. Results: Carers' psychosocial vulnerability occurs when they experience barriers to resources while access and use of supports reduce risk. Antecedents of psychosocial vulnerability include a carer's age and sex, socioeconomic status and their health and wellbeing. Psychosocial vulnerability affects carers' relationships and causes personal losses. Conclusions: The concept of carers' psychosocial vulnerability is complex. Recognition of carers at risk for psychosocial vulnerability would help nurses direct relevant support and information to carers who need it most. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Carers play an increasingly important role in the delivery of holistic care in the community.Barriers and access to relevant support and homecare remain an issue for carers and patients worldwide.Caregivers frequently succumb to vulnerability as a result of their new identification with the role as well as the duty tied to the role. What this paper adds? Findings offer an understanding of factors which may contribute to carers' psychosocial vulnerability.An overview of the impact of caring for individuals with a chronic illness on carers' lives. The implications of this paper Recognition of those at risk for psychosocial vulnerability could enable health care professionals to provide the relevant support and information to carers who need it most.Further qualitative research is needed to increase understanding of carers' experience of caring for someone with a chronic illness.Carers must be seen as essential components of healthcare in order to ensure connection between policy and service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]