Abstract: Family decision-makers play a significant role in health decision-making regarding patients' treatment, care, and rehabilitation support. We integrate the connotation of family decision-makers and explore the differences among similar concepts, and summarize the current situation of patient groups, decision-making situation characteristics and main topics in the research. Furthermore, future research directions are proposed based on identifying limitations in existing studies. This paper aims to offer references and insights for both theoretical research and practical work in related fields, and to enhance the health of family members and the advancement of public health goals.

Key words: family decision-makers; health decision-making; review