Adaptation and Validation of the ABC taxonomy for medication adherence
into Portuguese
Abstract
Aim: To cross-culturally validate the ABC taxonomy into Portuguese for
Portugal and Brazil without questioning its original meaning. Methods: A
systematic review was conducted to identify published taxonomy terms and
definitions in Portuguese, and to identify experts in medication
adherence. Initial mapping of terms and definitions retrieved was
scrutinized by the research team to build an e-survey. The e-survey was
first piloted and then sent to experts in both countries seeking
consensus using a three-round Delphi technique. Consensus was defined as
≥ 85% for the first round and ≥75% for the second. Terms with
agreement lower than 10% were dropped between rounds. In the final
round, terms and definitions reaching agreement between 50-75% were
classified as moderate agreement and above 75% as strong agreement.
Results: A total of 778 studies were identified and 84 included,
enabling the extraction of 154 terms and 32 definitions. In the
first-round 164 experts participated, 115 in the second-round and 99 in
the third round. Strong consensus was obtained in Portugal for six terms
and five definitions and moderate consensus for one term and two
definitions. In Brazil, strong consensus was obtained for five terms and
definitions and moderate consensus for two terms and definitions.
Conclusion: A unified ABC taxonomy in Portuguese was possible to develop
and validate for use in Portugal and in Brazil. Its use will harmonise
and standardise the terms and definitions used in clinical practice and
research.