A gap time model based on a multiplicative marginal rate function that accounts for zero-recurrence units.

In this article, we propose an alternative gap time model based on a multiplicative marginal rate function, which is formulated considering each gap time conditional on the previous recurrence times. In this formulation, the gap times are treated equally and the relation between successive events is no longer a problem. Furthermore, this article considers the inclusion of a proportion of zero-recurrence units (for which the event of interest will not occur) into the model to analyze recurrent event data. Inference aspects of the proposed model are discussed through maximum likelihood approach. A simulation study is carried out to examine the performance of the estimation procedure. The model is applied to hospital readmission data among colorectal cancer patients.