Implementation of Consumer-Directed Care Policies in Residential Aged Care Facilities: A Scoping Review Protocol

This project is a scoping review that examines the implementation of policies related to consumer-directed care in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs). The purpose of the review is to map and synthesise existing empirical literature on how consumer-directed and person-centred care policies are designed, adopted, implemented, and evaluated within residential aged care settings. As individuals transition into residential aged care, they often experience changes to autonomy, decision-making, and control over daily care. In response to ageing populations and evolving policy priorities, models such as consumer-directed care and person-centred care have been introduced internationally to promote resident participation, autonomy, and individualised care. However, translating these policies into practice within RACFs is complex and influenced by multiple organisational, workforce, and system-level factors. This scoping review systematically identifies and analyses primary research studies published between January 2005 and June 2025 that focus on policy implementation in RACFs. The review examines the processes involved in policy implementation, as well as the facilitators and barriers that influence successful translation of consumer-directed care policies into routine practice. Studies using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods designs are included to capture the breadth of evidence across diverse contexts. Data are synthesised using descriptive and thematic analysis to identify patterns in implementation approaches, contextual influences, and challenges across studies. Although quality appraisal is not mandatory for scoping reviews, included studies were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools to support interpretation of findings. No studies were excluded on the basis of quality assessment. The expected outcomes of this review include a comprehensive mapping of policy implementation processes in residential aged care, identification of key facilitators and barriers, and recognition of gaps in the existing evidence base. Findings from this review are intended to inform policymakers, aged care administrators, clinicians, and researchers, and to support the development and implementation of effective, person-centred policy initiatives in Residential Aged Care Facilities.