Caregiver Burden in Informal Caregivers of Mechanically Ventilated Post-Intensive Care Unit Patients with Physical Function Impairment: A Systematic Review

This research project is a systematic review designed to comprehensively synthesize existing evidence on caregiver burden among informal caregivers of adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients who experienced mechanical ventilation (MV) and subsequently developed physical function impairment. As survival rates following critical illness continue to improve, increasing attention has been directed toward post–intensive care syndrome (PICS), which includes long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments in survivors. However, less attention has been given to the burden experienced by informal caregivers who provide ongoing support after hospital discharge. The primary purpose of this review is to examine the nature, extent, and determinants of caregiver burden in this population. Specifically, the review will identify how caregiver burden is measured, the reported levels of burden, associated psychological outcomes (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression), and factors that may influence burden, such as duration of MV, severity of physical function impairment, and time since ICU discharge. This study will follow a predefined and registered protocol, adhere to PRISMA guidelines, and apply rigorous methodological standards consistent with JBI. A comprehensive search of major electronic databases will be conducted. Eligible studies will undergo independent dual screening, standardized data extraction, and critical appraisal. Where appropriate, quantitative findings will be synthesized using random-effects meta-analysis; otherwise, results will be integrated using structured narrative synthesis. The expected outcomes of this review include: - A clear summary of the current evidence on caregiver burden in this specific high-risk population. - Identification of gaps in the literature and methodological limitations in existing studies. - Insight into potential factors associated with higher caregiver burden. - Recommendations for clinical practice, including the need for caregiver assessment and supportive interventions during and after ICU discharge planning. - Direction for future research on family-centered care and long-term recovery following critical illness. Ultimately, this review aims to improve recognition of caregiver needs and support the development of targeted interventions that reduce caregiver burden and improve outcomes for both caregivers and patients.