Advanced Diagnostic Research
Advanced Diagnostic Research (face to face)
Diagnostic research in the past focused particularly on estimating the sensitivity and specificity of individual diagnostic tests. This course will demonstrate that this so called ‘test research’ is not necessarily the same as diagnostic research. Furthermore, we will widen the horizon by proposing modern methods of diagnostic research and data analysis in which a patient’s test result can and should be considered in the context of other patient characteristics or test results. These methods enable
- direct estimation of individual probabilities of disease presence based on all diagnostic information and
- evaluation of the extent to which a particular diagnostic test has true added value in the clinical context.
Also, conventional and advanced methods for systematic reviews of diagnostic tests will be presented.
Programme:
- Day 1 covers the principles of diagnostic practice and diagnostic research.
- Day 2 provides an overview of the design issues (including concepts of validity and power estimation) of a diagnostic study.
- Day 3 deals with the modern statistical analyses of a diagnostic study, such as multivariable logistic regression analyses, including a practical in which an existing data set will be analysed using the personal computer.
- Day 4 deals with meta-analyses of diagnostic studies, including a practical on the personal computer.
- Day 5 the use of patient outcome evaluation in diagnostic research will be discussed.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, the student
- has insight in the principles and design of both individual and meta-analytical diagnostic studies
- has insight in the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches in both individual and meta-analytical diagnostic studies
- has insight in the validity aspects of both individual and meta-analytical diagnostic studies
- has insight in the methods for data collection in the different study designs of individual diagnostic studies
- has insight in the differences between different design and analytical approaches in both individual and meta-analytical diagnostic studies
- has insight in the different measures of diagnostic value or accuracy that can be calculated from both individual and meta-analytical diagnostic studies
- has insight in modern design and analytical approaches instead of the classical approach in both individual and meta-analytical diagnostic studies
- is able to choose an appropriate study design and analytical approach to be used in a specific situation or to answer a specific study question in both individual and meta-analytical diagnostic studies
Target Group
Our courses are aimed at clinical researchers, nurses, general practitioners, and other health professionals who want to improve their skills in epidemiology, statistics and (clinical) research.
Duration
1 week, fulltime (face to face)
Application and more information
MSc Epidemiology Educational Office
+31 (0)88 75 69710
msc-epidemiology@umcutrecht.nl