Diagnostic test accuracy reviews 2: Assessment of methodological quality

Article type
Authors
Whiting P1, Rutjes AWS2
1University of Bristol, United Kingdom
2Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland & University ‘G. d’Annunzio’ Foundation, Chieti, Italy
Abstract
Objectives:

The Cochrane Diagnostic Test Accuracy Working Group has developed a series of workshops addressing guidelines as formulated in the Handbook for Diagnostic Test Accuracy reviews. The workshop will provide an introduction to the methodology of quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies.

Description:

The workshop will include an introduction to the five dimensions of quality assessment: 1. concepts of quality, 2. empirical evidence of bias, 3. how to assess quality, 4. how to incorporate quality into systematic reviews, 5. limitations of measuring and incorporating quality. Statistical methods to deal with design-related sources of bias and variation are discussed in a separate workshop. The workshop will include interactive exercises involving the assessment and discussion of some design characteristics by reviewing published articles.