Systematic reviews and meta analyses of diagnostic studies: a practical guideline
BackgroundActually, systematic reviews and meta analyses are the cornerstone of evidence based practice and the number of these evidence based articles on diagnostic studies is increasing.ObjectiveThe aim of this article is to provide a practical guideline for the researchers who intend to perform a systematic review or meta analysis of diagnostic studies.MethodsA guideline was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) and Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy.ResultsSeveral steps needed for systematic reviews or meta analyses of diagnostic studies are briefly discussed (i.e. formulating the question of systematic reviews, search strategy, inclusion and exclusion criteria, quality assessment of the included studies, data extraction, pooling diagnostic indices across studies, reporting heterogeneity and discussion of main findings).ConclusionTo publish a high quality systematic review or meta analysis of diagnostic test accuracy, certain methodology should be followed. Only methodologically sound systematic reviews or meta analyses can change or support the clinical use of a diagnostic test.
Clinical and Translational Imaging