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Objectives: Chronic dyspnea, a distressing symptom in patients with complex chronic conditions, is linked to higher risks of mortality. This study aimed to identify nursing interventions that could improve self-management for complex chronic patients, thereby enhancing control over chronic dyspnea. The findings intend to guide nursing care strategies that promote self-management among this population. Methods: We searched the databases Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) databases were searched in December 2023. We included adult patients with complex chronic conditions with chronic dyspnoea. The team screened articles collaboratively, using Rayyan software. A qualitative appraisal was performed according to JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist tools. The review protocol is registered under the number CRD42023456021. Results: Our review included 18 studies that explored a variety of interventions for chronic dyspnea. We identified pharmacological interventions (such as oxygen therapy and inhalation treatments) and non-pharmacological approaches (including educational programs, breathing exercises, fluid intake management, body awareness techniques, peer support, emotional intelligence training, and the use of web applications). Those interventions empower patients, improve their ability to fulfill life roles, mitigate emotional distress, and improve overall quality of life. Nursing care can be crucial in enabling individuals to achieve independence and autonomy in self-care. Conclusions: Promoting self-management for chronic dyspnea in complex chronic patients requires a holistic approach, encompassing multidisciplinary interventions, individualized self-care education, peer engagement, and technological support. Current research on self-management inadequately addresses interventions targeting patient behaviour change. It highlights the need to delve deeper into the self-management process. Further research is needed to expand the evidence base and refine these interventions.
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BACKGROUND: Conversational agents, which we defined as computer programs that are designed to simulate two-way human conversation by using language and are potentially supplemented with nonlanguage modalities, offer promising avenues for health interventions for different populations across the life course. There is a lack of open-access and user-friendly resources for identifying research trends and gaps and pinpointing expertise across international centers. OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to provide an overview of all relevant evidence on conversational agents for health and well-being across the life course. Specifically, our objectives are to identify, categorize, and synthesize-through visual formats and a searchable database-primary studies and reviews in this research field. METHODS: An evidence map was selected as the type of literature review to be conducted, as it optimally corresponded to our aim. We systematically searched 8 databases (MEDLINE; CINAHL; Web of Science; Scopus; the Cochrane, ACM, IEEE, and Joanna Briggs Institute databases; and Google Scholar). We will perform backward citation searching on all included studies. The first stage of a double-stage screening procedure, which was based on abstracts and titles only, was conducted by using predetermined eligibility criteria for primary studies and reviews. An operational screening procedure was developed for streamlined and consistent screening across the team. Double data extraction will be performed with previously piloted data collection forms. We will appraise systematic reviews by using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2. Primary studies and reviews will be assessed separately in the analysis. Data will be synthesized through descriptive statistics, bivariate statistics, and subgroup analysis (if appropriate) and through high-level maps such as scatter and bubble charts. The development of the searchable database will be informed by the research questions and data extraction forms. RESULTS: As of April 2021, the literature search in the eight databases was concluded, yielding a total of 16,351 records. The first stage of screening, which was based on abstracts and titles only, resulted in the selection of 1282 records of primary studies and 151 records of reviews. These will be subjected to second-stage screening. A glossary with operational definitions for supporting the study selection and data extraction stages was drafted. The anticipated completion date is October 2021. CONCLUSIONS: Our wider definition of a conversational agent and the broad scope of our evidence map will explicate trends and gaps in this field of research. Additionally, our evidence map and searchable database of studies will help researchers to avoid fragmented research efforts and wasteful redundancies. Finally, as part of the Harnessing the Power of Conversational e-Coaches for Health and Well-being Through Swiss-Portuguese Collaboration project, our work will also inform the development of an international taxonomy on conversational agents for health and well-being, thereby contributing to terminology standardization and categorization. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/26680.