Online peer support for people with dementia: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this scoping review is to gain insights into the different online peer support opportunities available for people with dementia.

INTRODUCTION

People with dementia use a variety of online platforms for peer support, such as social networking sites or videoconferencing platforms. Online peer support can offer a variety of benefits, such as overcoming geographical barriers and the opportunity to choose a platform and mode of communication that suits a person's needs and preferences. However, there is currently no synthesis of the different online peer support opportunities available to people with dementia.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Participants in this review will include people living with a self-reported diagnosis of any form of dementia. The concept is peer support through online platforms, while the context is online peer support that is accessible in English.

METHODS

The review will be conducted according to the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. A 3-step strategy will be used to search 4 data sources: scholarly and gray literature databases, Google search engine, social media and websites of dementia organizations, and consultations with people with dementia and professionals. The study selection and data extraction will be conducted by 2 reviewers independently, and a third reviewer will be consulted if needed. For the data extraction, a draft data extraction instrument will be used, following the recommendations of JBI. Data will be extracted on platform, online peer support, and study characteristics. The findings will be presented in tables and a narrative summary.

REVIEW REGISTRATION

OSF https://osf.io/8jtqc.