This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Prognosis). The objectives are as follows:

Primary objective

To assess overall prognosis for people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in terms of mortality and survival outcomes without therapy or without effective therapies

Secondary objectives

• To assess the overall prognosis for people with IPF for respiratory‐related outcomes without therapy or without effective therapies

• To assess the change in overall prognosis of people with IPF in terms of mortality and survival outcomes without therapy or without effective therapies based on different diagnostic criteria according to the consensus guidelines