Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
11
pubmed:dateCreated
2002-7-11
pubmed:abstractText
It is indispensable for any meta-analysis that potential sources of heterogeneity are examined, before one considers pooling the results of primary studies into summary estimates with enhanced precision. In reviews of studies on the diagnostic accuracy of tests, variability beyond chance can be attributed to between-study differences in the selected cutpoint for positivity, in patient selection and clinical setting, in the type of test used, in the type of reference standard, or any combination of these factors. In addition, heterogeneity in study results can also be caused by flaws in study design. This paper critically examines some of the potential reasons for heterogeneity and the methods to explore them. Empirical support for the existence of different sources of variation is reviewed. Incorporation of sources of variability explicitly into systematic reviews on diagnostic accuracy is demonstrated with data from a recent review. Application of regression techniques in meta-analysis of diagnostic tests can provide relevant additional information. Results of such analyses will help understand problems with the transferability of diagnostic tests and to point out flaws in primary studies. As such, they can guide the design of future studies.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Jun
pubmed:issn
0277-6715
pubmed:author
pubmed:copyrightInfo
Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:day
15
pubmed:volume
21
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
1525-37
pubmed:dateRevised
2007-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2002
pubmed:articleTitle
Exploring sources of heterogeneity in systematic reviews of diagnostic tests.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. j.g.lijmer@psych.azu.nl
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article