Background: The role of informal caregivers (IC) might be complemented by social and/or health services, provided by formal caregivers, which might buffer the detrimental effects of providing informal care on the informal caregivers’ health. Therefore, this scoping review aims to map the existing literature on (1) different types of complementarities between formal and informal care and on (2) the impact of this complementarity on IC’ health. Methods: Scoping Review is being conducted according to JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, considering qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies that involved adult informal caregivers who care for their relatives suffering from chronic diseases, and that report the use of social/community/health services. The search was conducted in databases for published and unpublished studies in the several databases (CINAHL, EBSCO, MEDLINE, SciELO, WoS, Scopus, PsycINFO, APA PsychArticles, Open Dissertations, OpenGrey, RCAAP, and CAPES). Articles written in English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Polish were considered for inclusion. Expected results: It will provide with an overview of types of services/interventions that complement the role of IC and its associated outcomes with IC’ health. Current stage of work: Presently the team is conducting data extraction of the screened articles. Discussion: This study will provide insight on which community/health services are important resources for informal caregivers. Furthermore, this study will convey practical contributions to community and social interventions/services to protect informal caregivers’ health and may inform public policy initiatives.

Project financed under CEEC IND/00392/2017

informal care,formal care,complementarity,scoping review

• Psychology - Social Sciences