Long-Term Care Preferences and Sexual Orientation: Protocol for a Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: With increasing age, the health status of older individuals commonly deteriorates and their care needs greatly increase. Therefore, many individuals are in need for formal or informal long-term care. In order to plan suitable long-term care settings, it is important to know the long-term care preferences of an ageing population (both heterosexuals and sexual minorities). The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature for evidence on preferences regarding long-term care and the potential differences with regard to sexual orientation. Methods and analysis: This study protocol for a systematic review is reported according to the PRISMA-P guidelines. A comprehensive search of published studies will be conducted using PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO bibliographic databases. Following predefined inclusion criteria, two authors will screen the titles and abstracts of the studies independently. Afterwards, we will obtain and screen full-text articles of eligible studies using the predefined inclusion criteria. Discrepancies will be resolved by consensus or consultation with a third researcher. Data will be extracted and synthesised. Extracted data will be categorised based on study design, type of long-term care preferences and the group (sexual orientation) which is addressed. The quality of reporting of the studies included will be assessed.