• Seema Rajesh Rao, Naveen Salins, Udita Joshi, Jatin Patel, Bader Nael Remawi, Srinagesh Simha, Nancy Preston, and Catherine Walshe.
• Karunashraya Institute for Palliative Care Education and Research, Bangalore Hospice Trust, Karunashraya, Bangalore, India. Electronic address: seema.rao@karunashraya.org.
• J Crit Care. 2022 Oct 1; 71: 154115.

PurposeDeath is common in intensive care units, and integrating palliative care enhances outcomes. Most research has been conducted in high-income countries. The aim is to understand what is known about the type and topics of research on the provision of palliative care within intensive care units in low- and middle-income countries MATERIALS AND METHODS: Scoping review with nine databases systematically searched for literature published in English on palliative care in intensive care units in low- and middle- income settings (01/01/1990 to 31/05/2021). Two reviewers independently checked search results and extracted textual data, which were analyzed and represented as themes.ResultsThirty papers reported 19 empirical studies, two clinical case reports and six discussion papers. Papers originated from Asia and Africa, primarily using observational designs and qualitative approaches, with no trials or other robust evaluative or comparative studies. No studies directly sought data from patients or families. Five areas of research focus were identified: withholding and withdrawing treatment; professional knowledge and skills; patient and family views; culture and context; and costs of care.ConclusionsPalliative care in intensive care units in low-and middle-income countries is understudied. Research focused on the specific needs of intensive care in low- and middle-income countries is required to ensure optimal patient outcomes.Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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