Graphical Presentation of Diagnostic Information
Author Information
Author(s): Penny F. Whiting, Jonathan A.C. Sterne, Marie E. Westwood, Lucas M. Bachmann, Roger Harbord, Matthias Egger, Jonathan J. Deeks
Hypothesis
How are graphical displays used in diagnostic accuracy studies?
Conclusion
Graphical displays are currently underused in primary diagnostic accuracy studies and systematic reviews of such studies.
Supporting Evidence
- Fifty-six percent of primary studies used graphical displays.
- Fifty-three percent of systematic reviews used graphical displays.
- Dot-plot or box-and-whisker plots were the most commonly used graphs.
Takeaway
This study looked at how researchers use graphs to show test results. It found that many studies don't use graphs enough, which makes it harder for doctors to understand the results.
Methodology
The study systematically reviewed the use of graphical displays in recent diagnostic primary studies and systematic reviews.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the selection of studies included in the review.
Limitations
The study did not assess the effectiveness of the graphical displays used.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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