Studying a Study and Testing a Test : How to Read the Health Science Literature

by Riegelman, Richard K.

• ISBN13: 9780781718608
• ISBN10: 0781718600
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-01-01
• Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Summary

George Washington Univ., Washington, D.C. Text on evaluating medical literature in terms of validity and value. Previous edition: c1996. For students and practitioners. CD-ROM contains self-assessment questions and includes available CME credit hours. NOTE: Approval items which include software can be returned if desired after viewing. Softcover. Added to Brandon-Hill Medical List in April 2001.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Acknowledgments	ix
I. Studying a Study
Introduction and Sample Test	3	(2)
Uniform Frameworks	5	(8)
Study Design	13	(3)
Assignment	16	(5)
Assessment	21	(5)
Analysis	26	(16)
Interpretation	42	(7)
Extrapolation	49	(8)
Randomized Clinical Trials	57	(19)
Database Research: Nonconcurrent Cohort Studies	76	(9)
Meta-Analysis	85	(15)
Studying a Study: Questions to Ask and Flaw-Catching Exercises	100	(27)
II. Testing a Test
Introduction to Testing a Test	127	(3)
Variability of the Test	130	(3)
Reference Interval	133	(9)
Defining Disease: The Gold Standard	142	(2)
Diagnostic Performance of Tests	144	(9)
Comparing Tests	153	(5)
Screening	158	(8)
Testing a Test: Questions to Ask and Flaw-Catching Exercises	166	(13)
III. Rating a Rate
Introduction to Rates	179	(5)
Sampling of Rates	184	(4)
Standardization of Rates	188	(6)
Sources of Differences in Rates	194	(6)
Putting It Together: Measuring Life Expectancy	200	(6)
Rating a Rate: Questions to Ask and Flaw-Catching Exercises	206	(11)
IV. Considering Costs and Evaluating Effectiveness
Introduction and Study Design of Decision-Making Investigations	217	(10)
Assignment	227	(8)
Assessment	235	(5)
Analysis	240	(9)
Interpretation	249	(7)
Extrapolation	256	(6)
Decision-Making Investigations: Questions to Ask and Flaw-Catching Exercises	262	(13)
V. Selecting a Statistic
Basic Principles	275	(10)
Univariable Analyses	285	(7)
Bivariable Analyses	292	(9)
Multivariable Analyses	301	(12)
Flowchart Summary	313	(8)
Glossary	321	(22)
Subject Index	343