Background: One of the key characteristics of a systematic review is the assessment of the quality of the included studies. If these individual studies are flawed, then the results of a meta-analysis and review in general are also flawed. To assess the quality of diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) studies, we will practise the use of the QUADAS-2 tool.
Objectives:
• Understand mechanisms that may lead to high risk of bias in DTA studies;
• understand the concept of applicability of DTA studies;
• understand additional sources of bias for comparative DTA studies;
• assess the quality of a DTA study using QUADAS-2; and
• interpret the findings of quality assessment.
Description: This workshop organised by the Cochrane Screening and Diagnostic Tests Methods Group is designed for individuals who are planning or currently undertaking a Cochrane DTA review, those involved in an editorial role or those who are using test accuracy evidence. The facilitators can tailor the workshop to accommodate the needs of individuals attending as far as possible but plan to address the following four topics:
• design and general aspects of diagnostic test accuracy studies;
• sources of bias and variability in diagnostic test accuracy studies;
• application of QUADAS-2 to a DTA study;
• a brief introduction to QUADAS-C; and
• reporting of the quality assessment results. The workshop will draw on the experience of the DTA Editorial Team as well as facilitators’ own experience of undertaking DTA reviews across a breadth of topic areas. The workshop will be delivered through a mixture of interactive presentations, discussions and small group exercises.