Use of test accuracy study design labels in NICE's diagnostic guidance.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A variety of study designs are available to evaluate the accuracy of tests, but the terms used to describe these designs seem to lack clarity and standardization. We investigated if this was the case in the diagnostic guidance of the National Institute of Care and Health Excellence (NICE), an influential source of advice on the value of tests.

Objectives

To describe the range of study design terms and labels used to distinguish study designs in NICE Diagnostic Guidance and the underlying evidence reports.

Methods

We carefully examined all NICE Diagnostic Guidance that has been developed from inception in 2011 until 2018 and the corresponding diagnostic assessment reports that summarized the evidence, focusing on guidance where tests were considered for diag

SUBMITTER: Olsen M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6727490 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature