A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Exploring Caregiver Information Needs and Experiences Caring for a Child with Chronic Heart Failure

AimTo synthesize qualitative studies relating to caregivers information needs and experiences caring for a child with chronic heart failure. BackgroundChildren with chronic heart failure (HF) place a considerable burden on healthcare systems each year and is associated with significant stress for caregivers. Despite substantial knowledge generation and implementation amongst healthcare providers in this field, knowledge translation strategies that target caregiver audiences have lagged. To date, little is known about what literature exists about caregivers information needs and experiences caring for a child with HF. DesignQualitative evidence synthesis MethodsSandelowski and Barrosos Handbook for Synthesizing Qualitative Research guided our review, cross-referencing the ENTREQ statement to report our findings. With librarian guidance, seven databases were searched in November 2023. Search results were imported into Microsoft Excel from EndNote 21. Two independent reviewers (CC, KS), supervised by a senior author (SDS), conducted the initial title/abstract and secondary full-text screens. ResultsOne study met the inclusion criteria outlined in our synthesis, identifying three themes and 10 subthemes. Our findings impeded the ability to conduct any analysis. ConclusionThis review was the first of its kind, looking to synthesize caregivers information needs and experiences caring for a child with chronic HF. One article met the inclusion criteria. This synthesis highlights a significant knowledge gap in caregivers experiences and information needs when caring for a child affected by chronic heart failure. This study emphasizes that previous educational tools were not designed using research evidence about caregiver experience. This also validates the critical need for qualitative interviews with caregivers about their information needs and experiences to provide more relevant and understandable information to caregivers in this difficult situation. Reporting MethodEQUATOR guidelines, following the ENTREQ statement. Patient ContributionCaregivers of children with heart failure were the population in this qualitative evidence synthesis. What does this paper contribute to the wider global clinical community?O_LITo our knowledge, this is the first qualitative evidence synthesis about caregiver information needs and experiences caring for a child with HF. C_LIO_LIOne included study was identified, highlighting a significant knowledge gap and justifying the need for the next step in our research, employing qualitative interviews in this context. C_LIO_LIHealthcare professionals who care for this vulnerable patient population have very limited literature to base practice. C_LIO_LIFurther research about caregivers information needs and experience in pediatric chronic heart failure context is needed to improve care provision to these vulnerable children, C_LI