PMU88 Mapping the Use of Group-Based Trajectory Modelling in Medication Adherence Research: A Scoping Review Protocol

Abstract

The use of group-based trajectory modelling (GBTM) within medication adherence research is rapidly growing. Researchers are adopting enhanced methods to analyse and visualise dynamic behaviours, such as medication adherence, within ‘real-world’ populations. Application of GBTM based on longitudinal adherence behaviour allows for the identification of adherence trajectories or groups. A group is conceptually thought of a collection of individuals who follow a similar pattern of adherence behaviour over a period of time. A common obstacle faced by researchers when implementing GBTM is deciding on the number of trajectory groups that may exist within a population. Decision-making can introduce subjectivity, as there is no ‘gold standard’ for model selection criteria. This study aims to examine the extent and nature of existing evidence on the application of GBTM for medication adherence assessment, providing an overview of the different GBTM techniques used in the literature. The methodological framework will consist of five stages: i) identify the research question(s); ii) identify relevant studies; iii) select studies; iv) chart the data and finally, v) collate, summarise and report the results. Original peer-reviewed articles, published in English, describing observational and interventional studies including both concepts and/or sub-concepts of GBTM and medication adherence will be included. The following databases will be queried: PubMed/MEDLINE; Embase (Ovid); SCOPUS; ISI Web of Science; PsychInfo. The PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) tool will be used to report results.This scoping review will collect and schematise different techniques in the application of GBTM for medication adherence assessment available in literature to date, identifying research and knowledge gaps in this area. Datbase searches have identified >6000 potentially relevant abstract results. Screening is ongoing with results to follow shortly. This review will represent an important tool for future research, providing methodological support to researchers carrying out GBTM analysis to assess medication adherence