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Worksheet for Using an Article About Assessing Diagnostic Tests


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Are the Results of the Study Valid?

1. Was there an independent, blind comparison with a reference standard?

[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell


2. Did the patient sample include an appropriate spectrum of patients to whom the diagnostic test will be applied in clinical practice?

[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell


3. Did the results of the test being evaluated influence the decision to perform the reference standard?

arrowVerification (work-up) bias?

 

[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell


4. Were the methods for performing the test described in sufficient detail to permit replication?

arrowPreparation of patient?
arrow Performance of test?
arrow Analysis and interpretation of results?

 

[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell


5. Aside from the experimental intervention, were the groups treated equally?

[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell


6. Overall, are the results of the study valid?

[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell


What were the Results?

1. Are likelihood ratios for the test results presented or data necessary for their calculation provided?

arrowHow big or small is this LR?

[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell


Will the Results Help Me in Caring for My Patients?

1. Will the reproducibility of the test result and its interpretation be satisfactory in my setting?

[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell


2. Are the results applicable to my patient?

arrowSimilar distribution of disease severity?
arrowSimilar distribution of competing diseases?
arrowCompelling reasons why the results should not be applied?

[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell


3. Will the results change my management?

arrowTest and treatment thresholds?
arrowHigh or low LR's?

[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell


4. Will patients be better off as a result of the test?

arrowIs target disorder dangerous if left undiagnosed?
arrow Is test risk acceptable?
arrowDoes effective treatment exist?
arrowInformation from test will lead to change of Management beneficial to patient?

[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell


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