Return to work outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients: A protocol for a global scoping review

Abstract Solid organ transplantation treats end-stage organ failure, improving longevity and quality of life. Return to work post-transplant is a positive indicator of treatment success. However, labor is influenced by multiple biopsychosocial factors, leading to complex barriers that affect recipients’ opportunities. Mapping return-to-work literature may reveal gaps in conceptualization, instruments, analyses, and key determinants. Following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, this protocol aims to identify knowledge gaps and map the processes and outcomes in the literature on return to work after liver, kidney, heart, and lung transplantation. Following the Population, Concept, and Context strategy, this review is guided by the research question: “What has the literature shown about return to work after solid organ transplantation?”. This protocol was created and recorded on the Open Science Framework under DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/Q6HVT . Database selection and search strategy were determined by a librarian specializing in health sciences. The literature search will be conducted in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, LILACS, and Web of Science databases. Eligible studies include primary and secondary research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical trials, case studies, and observational studies on return-to-work post-transplant, in English or Portuguese, with no time restrictions. Two reviewers will independently perform the selection and data extraction. Discrepancies will be resolved through consensus, with a third researcher addressing conflicts. The data will be extracted using a standardized form developed for this review to collect key details about the studies’ origin, context, purpose, content, population, and variables related to the return-to-work process. These data will be synthesized following Synthesis Without Meta Analysis guidelines and summarized narratively using tables, graphs, thematic analysis, and, if feasible, a meta-analysis will be conducted. This scoping review protocol relies solely on publicly available data and does not involve human participants, so institutional review board approval was unnecessary. Ethical aspects of included studies will be assessed in our analysis.