The Current Understanding of Precision Medicine and Personalised Medicine in Selected Research Disciplines: Study Protocol of a Systematic Concept Analysis

IntroductionThe terms "precision medicine" and "personalised medicine" have become key terms in health-related research, and in science-related public communication. However, the application of these two concepts and their interpretation in various disciplines are heterogeneous, which also affects research translation and public awareness. This leads to confusion regarding the use and distinction of the two concepts. Methods and analysisOur study aims at using Rodgers concept analysis method to systematically examine and distinguish the current understanding of the concepts "precision medicine" and "personalised medicine" in clinical medicine, biomedicine (incorporating genomics and bioinformatics), health services research; physics, chemistry, engineering; machine learning, and artificial intelligence, and to identify their respective attributes (clusters of characteristics) and surrogate and related terms. We will analyse similarities and differences in definitions in the respective disciplines and across different (sub)disciplines. The analysis procedure will include (1) a concept identification, (2) a setting, sample, and data source selection, (3) data collection, (4) data analysis and data summary, (5) identification of examples, and (6) identification of implications for further concept development. Ethics and disseminationFollowing ethical and research standards, we will comprehensively report the methodology for a systematic analysis following Rogers[1] concept analysis method. Our systematic concept analysis will contribute to the clarification of the two concepts and distinction in their application in given settings and circumstances. Such a broader concept analysis will contribute to non-systematic syntheses of the concepts, or occasional systematic reviews on one of the concepts that have been published in specific disciplines, in order to facilitate interdisciplinary communication, translational medical research, and implementation science. Strengths and limitations of this studyO_LIIn contrast to previous studies, we examine the definitions of "precision medicine" and "personalised medicine" in specific selected disciplines in order to facilitate interdisciplinary communication, translational medical research, and implementation science. C_LIO_LIMoreover, we analyse these two concepts systematically and base our review on renowned concept analysis methodology. C_LIO_LIOur study contributes to the clarification of the two concepts, their attributes, and differences in various disciplines. C_LIO_LIConcepts are constantly developing and their meanings change over time, and hence it is not possible for our analysis to deliver an unequivocal definition. C_LI