Ethical aspects in scientific literature on participatory research approaches with older adults: a scoping review protocol

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review will systematically map and synthesize the ethical aspects addressed in the scientific literature on participatory research involving older adults. It will examine both procedural or principle-based research ethics and relational or situational ethics, exploring how these are shaped by contexts and considerations of diversity. The review will also identify conceptual frameworks and gaps to inform research and ethical practice. INTRODUCTION: Participatory research with older adults is gaining momentum, with ethical considerations central to such approaches. Yet the ethical complexity of participatory processes is often underreported. This review will explore how ethical aspects are described in the literature. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies will be included if they focus on individuals aged 60 and over who are involved in research through consultative, collaborative, or co-decisional roles. Eligible studies must explicitly address ethical aspects related to procedural or principle-based research ethics, relational or situational ethics, or both. METHODS: Given the growing emphasis on ethical considerations in participatory research involving older adults, a scoping review is appropriate for mapping the extent, range, and nature of the available evidence. The review will follow JBI methodology and established scoping review frameworks, incorporating both descriptive quantitative and qualitative analyses. Six databases will be searched: Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, and Sociological Abstracts. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts, and assess full texts for inclusion, with a third reviewer consulted as needed. Findings will be organized under conceptual and thematic headings and presented in tables, figures, and descriptive synthesis. REVIEW REGISTRATION: OSF https://osf.io/mr89x.