Systematic reviews of diagnostic accuracy studies. Assessment of methodological quality

Article type
Authors
Leeflang MMG1, Whiting P2, Rutjes AW3, Reitsma H4
1University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
2Kleijnen Systematic Reviews Ltd, UK
3Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland,and Clinical Center for Aging Sciences (Ce.S.I.), University ‘G. d’Annunzio’ Foundation, Chieti, Italy
4Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
Abstract
Objectives:

The workshop will provide an introduction to the methodology of quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies. The aim is to provide an overview of the key steps involved in the assessment of methodological quality in a diagnostic systematic review.

Description:

The Cochrane DTA Working Group has developed a handbook and software to guide the process of conducting diagnostic reviews, as well as a series of workshops. This workshop concerns quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies, and will include an introduction to the five dimensions of quality assessment: (a) concepts of quality, (b) empirical evidence of bias, (c) how to assess quality, (d) how to incorporate quality into systematic reviews, (e) 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.