Background: Question formulation is a fundamental first step in the review process and guides decisions about eligibility criteria, definitions of test comparisons to be evaluated, assessment of applicability, planning of statistical analysis and the interpretation of results. Using test accuracy statistics to describe the practical implications of using a test is a recognised challenge for the interpretation of test accuracy reviews. The workshop will offer guidance, as formulated in the Handbook for Diagnostic Test Accuracy Reviews, for formulating a diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) review question, interpretation and presentation of results.
Objectives:
•Understand what is meant by a testing pathway and representation of test comparisons
•Understand the importance of question formulation for judgments about applicability and for the interpretation of results
•Understand the importance of prevalence
•Understand how estimates of test accuracy can be used to describe the practical implications of using a test
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:
•The importance of setting and test comparisons as part of question formulation
•Anticipating and capturing sources of variability
•Common measures used to express test accuracy
•How estimates of test accuracy can be used to describe the practical implications of using a test
•Constructing Summary of Findings tables 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.