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Consequences of different diagnostic ‘gold standards' in test accuracy research: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as an example

Bachmann, Lucas M. ; Jüni, Peter ; Reichenbach, Stephan ; Ziswiler, Hans-Rudolf ; Kessels, Alfons G. ; Vögelin, Esther

In: International Journal of Epidemiology, 2005, vol. 34, no. 4, p. 953-955

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    Title
    • Consequences of different diagnostic ‘gold standards' in test accuracy research: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as an example
    Author
    • Bachmann, Lucas M.. Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Berne, Switzerland
    • Jüni, Peter. Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Berne, Switzerland
    • Reichenbach, Stephan. Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Berne, Switzerland
    • Ziswiler, Hans-Rudolf. Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Inselspital University of Berne, Switzerland
    • Kessels, Alfons G.. Horten Centre, University of Zurich, Switzerland
    • Vögelin, Esther. Department of Hand Surgery, Inselspital, University of Berne, Switzerland
    Document Type
    • Postprint
    Language
    • English
    Published in
    • International Journal of Epidemiology, 2005, vol. 34, no. 4, p. 953-955. Oxford University Press
    Other Version
    OAI-PMH Identifier
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:291360
    Summary
    Test accuracy studies assume the existence of a well-defined illness definition and clear-cut diagnostic gold standards or reference standards. However, in clinical reality illness definitions may be vague or a mere description of a set of manifestations, mostly clinical signs and symptoms. This can lead to disagreements among experts about the correct classification of an illness and the adequate reference standard. Using data from a diagnostic accuracy study in carpal tunnel syndrome, we explored the impact of different definitions on the estimated test accuracy and found that estimated test performance characteristics varied considerably depending on the chosen reference standard. In situations without a clear-cut illness definition, randomized controlled trials may be preferable to test accuracy studies for the evaluation of a novel test. These studies do not determine the diagnostic accuracy, but the clinical impact of a novel test on patient management and outcome