Systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy studies: introduction to meta-analysis

Article type
Authors
Takwoingi Y1, Arevalo-Rodriguez I2, Roqué i Figuls M3, Deeks J4, Macaskill P5
1Cochrane Screening and Diagnostic Tests Methods Group, University of Birmingham
2Clinical Biostatistics Unit, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal-IRYCIS
3Cochrane Iberoamerica
4University of Birmingham
5University of Sydney
Abstract
Background: for making informed decisions about medical tests, healthcare organizations and policy-makers typically rely on information from studies that assess diagnostic accuracy, i.e. how well a test gets the diagnosis right in people who have and do not have the target condition. Therefore, it is essential that valid methods are used to produce high-quality evidence reviews that will be used to inform recommendations for patient care. This workshop, organized by the Cochrane Screening and Diagnostic Tests Methods Group, is designed for those who have a keen interest in understanding the principles of diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) meta-analysis and how to use Review Manager 5 (RevMan 5) to produce graphical summaries.

Objectives: to introduce the principles of DTA meta-analysis and recommended statistical methods, including methods for assessing heterogeneity and comparisons of test accuracy; and to demonstrate data synthesis and graphical capabilities within RevMan 5.

Description: using published examples, participants will learn of key challenges, best practices for conducting DTA meta-analyses and methods for presenting results. Specifically, the workshop is based on the guidelines formulated in the Cochrane Handbook for Diagnostic Test Accuracy Reviews. The workshop will be delivered through a mixture of interactive presentations, discussions and practical demonstrations using RevMan 5. The workshop will be delivered in English, but Spanish-speaking facilitators will support those who wish to interact in Spanish for better understanding of the concepts and methods.

Participants are expected to bring a laptop with RevMan 5 installed. Those who do not have a laptop will still benefit from the onscreen demo and discussions. Prior to the workshop, participants will be sent the RevMan file that will be used during the workshop.