Evidence-Based Diagnosis: An Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology

Description

Medicine is becoming increasingly reliant on diagnostic, prognostic and screening tests for the successful treatment of patients. With new tests being developed all the time, a more informed understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of these tests is crucial. Providing readers with the tools needed to evaluate and interpret these tests, numerous real-world examples demonstrate the practical application and relevance of the material. The mathematics involved are rigorously explained using simple and informative language. Topics covered include the diagnostic process, reliability and accuracy of tests, and quantifying treatment benefits using randomized trials, amongst others. Engaging illustrations act as visual representations of the concepts discussed in the book, complementing the textual explanation.Based on decades of experience teaching in a clinical research training program, this fully updated second edition is an essential guide for anyone looking to select, develop or market medical tests. Cover......Page 1 Evidence-Based Diagnosis: An Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology ......Page 4 Copyright ......Page 5 Dedication ......Page 6 Contents......Page 8 Preface......Page 10 Acknowledgments......Page 11 1 Introduction ......Page 12 2 Dichotomous Tests......Page 19 3 Multilevel and Continuous Tests......Page 58 4 Critical Appraisal of Studies of Diagnostic Test Accuracy......Page 86 5 Reliability and Measurement Error......Page 121 6 Risk Predictions......Page 155 7 Multiple Tests and Multivariable Risk Models......Page 186 8 Quantifying Treatment Effects Using Randomized Trials......Page 216 9 Alternatives to Randomized Trials for Estimating Treatment Effects......Page 242 10 Screening Tests......Page 261 11 Understanding P-Values and Confidence Intervals......Page 291 12 Challenges for Evidence-Based Diagnosis......Page 314 Answers to Problems......Page 329 Index......Page 368