Bayesian factor analysis in primary care: a systematic review protocol
Abstract Background: Bayesian factor analysis allows for efficient use of preliminary data and information that corresponds to the increasing needs of questionnaire construct validation in primary care research. This systematic review will summarise evidence on the current use of Bayesian factor analysis in primary care.Methods: A comprehensive search strategy will be adopted to identify relevant literature (research studies in primary care) indexed in Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Library. The search strategy includes terms and synonyms for Bayesian statistics, factor analysis and primary care. Forward and backward searches will be conducted manually on the references of articles that meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria to further identify eligible studies. Multiple reviewers will conduct data extraction independently. The analyses will include descriptive synthesis summarizing features about the use and reporting of the respective Bayesian factor analysis approach in primary care. Discussion: This systematic review will provide a comprehensive overview of the current use of Bayesian factor analysis in primary care and provide recommendations for its proper future use in primary care and beyond.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018114978