Objective: Qualitative studies on the caregiving experiences of families with individuals who have cognitive impairments are diverse; however, individual studies often fail to capture the multifaceted nature of caregivers' experiences. This research employed meta-synthesis to consolidate relevant findings, aiming to generate more comprehensive conclusions that can inform the development of caregiving intervention programs through systematic evidence synthesis. Methods: We conducted a computerized systematic search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ProQuest, Embase, and Scopus databases to identify qualitative studies on the caregiving experiences of family caregivers of patients with cognitive impairment, covering the period from database inception to January 2025. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Center for Evidence-Based Health Care Quality Assessment Criteria (2016). The pooled meta-integration approach was employed to reanalyze, interpret, and synthesize qualitative findings, creating new categories through systematic reclassification and aggregation. Results: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, yielding 74 distinct findings. These findings were consolidated into 15 categories representing four synthesized outcomes: (1) insufficient understanding among patients and caregivers regarding dementia etiology and symptomatology, (2) negative caregiving experiences, (3) relational challenges within familial and social networks, and (4) adaptive modifications in coping strategies for dementia. Conclusion: Family caregivers face multifaceted challenges in managing individuals with cognitive impairment; however, psychosocial support from familial, social, and societal networks facilitates positive adaptation. National governments and healthcare systems should prioritize service improvements that address the identified needs of both patients and caregivers through enhanced health service provision and targeted policy interventions. Systematic review registration: DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/3CZ26 .

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Objective: To conduct a scoping review on the application of auricular therapy in treating postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), comprehensively examining the current clinical status, efficacy, and potential mechanisms of different auricular therapy modalities, while identifying gaps and limitations in existing research to inform further exploration of auricular therapy for PHN. Methods: Following the Arksey and O’Malley scoping review framework, we searched Chinese full-text journal databases (CNKI), Wanfang Database, VIP Database, SinoMed, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase. The search period spanned from database inception to August 2025. Included studies were analyzed and summarized. Results: A total of 32 studies were included, with randomized controlled trials being the predominant study type ( n = 23). Diverse auricular therapy modalities for treating PHN were employed, including auricular seed therapy (bean implantation), auricular acupuncture (fine needles or taper needles), auricular bloodletting, auricular massage, and transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS). Intervention strategies can be categorized into three aspects: point selection, stimulation parameters, and intervention cycles. Core points selected include Shenmen, Subcortical, Sympathetic, and Liver. Stimulation parameters and intervention cycles showed significant heterogeneity, with patch replacement cycles typically ranging from 2 to 7 days and total treatment durations mostly spanning 2 to 4 weeks. Primary outcome measures primarily involved clinical efficacy, pain intensity, and adverse reactions, while a few studies also addressed sleep quality, emotional state, and immune-inflammatory markers. Conclusion: Auricular therapy represents a significant adjunctive approach for pain management in PHN patients. Existing research faces limitations in intervention protocol standardization, objective validation of mechanisms, and long-term efficacy assessment. Future studies should focus on precise point selection, standardized stimulation parameters, and multidimensional objective outcome measures. Systematic review registration: DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/J4BS2 .