(A) Are the results of the study valid?
Screening Questions
1. Was there a clear question for the study to address?
HINT: A question should include information about
- The population
- The test
- The setting
- The outcomes
Yes Can’t tell No
2. Was there a comparison with an appropriate reference standard?
HINT: Is this reference test(s) the best available indicator in the circumstances?
Yes Can’t tell No
Is it worth continuing?
Detailed questions
3. Did all patients get the diagnostic test and reference standard?
HINT: Consider
- Were both received regardless of the results of the test of interest
- Check the 2X2 table (verification bias)
Yes Can’t tell No
4. Could the results of the test have been influenced by the results of the reference
standard?
HINT: Consider
- Was there blinding?
- Were the tests performed independently
- (Review bias)
Yes Can’t tell No
5. Is the disease status of the tested population clearly described?
HINT: Consider
- Presenting symptoms
- Disease stage or severity
- Co-morbidity
- Differential diagnoses (Spectrum Bias)
Yes Can’t tell No
6. Were the methods for performing the test Described in sufficient detail?
HINT: Consider
- Was a protocol followed?
Yes Can’t tell No
(B) If so, what are the results?
7. What are the results?
HINT: Consider
- Are the sensitivity and specificity and/or likelihood
ratios presented? - Are the results presented in such a way that
We can work them out?
Yes Can’t tell No
8. How sure are we about the results? consequences and cost of alternatives performed?
HINT: Consider
- Could they have occurred by chance?
- Are there confidence limits?
- What are they?
Yes Can’t tell No
(C) Will the results help me and my patients/population?
(Consider whether you are primarily interested in the impact on a population or individual level)
9. Can the results be applied to your patients/the population of interest?
HINT: Do you think your patients/population are so different from those in the study that the results cannot be applied?
Such as age, sex, ethnicity and spectrum bias.
Yes Can’t tell No
10. Can the test be applied to your patient or population of interest?
HINT: Consider
- Resources and opportunity costs
- Level and availability of expertise required to Interpret the tests
- Current practice and availability of services
Yes Can’t tell No
11. Were all outcomes important to the individual or population considered?
HINT: Consider
- Will the knowledge of the test result improve patient wellbeing?
- Will the knowledge of the test result lead to a change in patient management?
Yes Can’t tell No
12. What would be the impact of using this test on your patients/population?
Yes Can’t tell No