A trial of proficiency of nerve conduction: greater standardization still needed.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The aim of this study was to test the proficiency (accuracy among evaluators) of measured attributes of nerve conduction (NC).

Methods

Expert clinical neurophysiologists, without instruction or consensus development, from 4 different medical centers, independently assessed 8 attributes of NC in 24 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) on consecutive days.

Results

No significant intraobserver differences between days 1 and 2 were found, but significant interobserver differences were seen. Use of standard reference values did not correct for these observed differences.

Conclusions

Interobserver variability was attributed to differences in performance of NC. It was of sufficient magnitude that it is of concern for the conduct of therapeutic trials. To

SUBMITTER: Dyck PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3966293 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature