Evaluating diagnostic tests: a guide to the literature
Adams E
Record ID 31998008923
English
Authors' objectives:
This document was originally developed to assist specialists in positron emission tomography (PET) within VHA in designing scientifically rigorous data collection mechanisms that adhere to principles of evidence-based medicine. The report is intended to provide the reader with a starting point for obtaining useful references for evaluating diagnostic tests. While the models identified in the document are evaluations of certain diagnostic imaging technologies, such as mammography and MRI, the basic scientific principles underlying evaluations of these technologies may be applied to evaluations of other diagnostic tests.
Authors' recommendations:
The literature provided in this report supports a recurring theme: to improve the quality of medical care using clinical knowledge that is evidence-based. The principles of evidence-base medicine have existed for many decades, yet the concepts are seemingly new to our modern health care system.
Diagnostic testing is an integral part of patient care and represents a significant portion of annual health care expenditures. Determining the best use of diagnostic imaging technologies, such as MRI and PET, is essential for improving the quality of patient care. Many clinical investigators have demonstrated the feasibility of carrying out clinical research of diagnostic imaging technologies that adheres to well-founded scientific principles. Evidence-based medicine encourages the integration of clinical expertise with the best evidence from clinical research to support the appropriate use of these technologies in health care.
Authors' methods:
Overview
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
http://www4.va.gov/VATAP/docs/EvaluatingDiagnosticTests1997tm.pdf
Year Published:
1997
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
United States
MeSH Terms
- Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures
Contact
Organisation Name:
VA Technology Assessment Program
Contact Address:
Liz Adams, VA Technology Assessment Program, Office of Patient Care Services (11T), VA Boston Healthcare System Room 4D-142, 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130 USA Tel: +1 617 278 4469; Fax: +1 617 264 6587;
Contact Name:
elizabeth.adams@med.va.gov
Contact Email:
elizabeth.adams@med.va.gov
Copyright:
U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.