Quality measures for palliative care in patients living with cancer in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionQuality assessment is a critical component of determining the value of medical services, including palliative care. The utilisation of palliative care quality measures could assist in assessing the degree to which patients living with cancer conform to best practice of palliative care, identifying gaps and monitoring changes in cancer care delivery models in different setting. This scoping review aims to map the available data on the usage of palliative care quality indicators that are relevant to cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).MethodsTo structure this study, we will use the framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley, the Levac et al. recommendations and the Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations. We will search EBSCOHost, Web of Science, ProQuest One Academic, MEDLINE and Google Scholar for evidence on palliative care quality measures applicable for patients living with cancer published from inception till 2022. We will search grey literature in the form of dissertations, conference proceedings and websites of international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting palliative care quality measures applicable to patients living with cancer in LMICs.DiscussionThe purpose of this study is to establish the extent of existing research on the palliative care quality measures in LMICs. Although palliative care is still a new phenomenon, understanding of the palliative care quality measures applicable for cancer patients will assist to improve care across all components of health systems.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical approval is required for the study as the data collection and results of the proposed scoping review will be conducted and disseminated electronically using peer-reviewed journals, print and presentations at scientific conferences and stakeholder presentations.

Automated summary

This scoping review aims to map the available data on the usage of palliative care quality indicators that are relevant to cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The study will search for evidence on palliative care quality measures applicable for patients living with cancer and aims to improve care across all components of health systems.