This workshop is given on behalf of the Screening and Diagnostic Tests Methods Group and the Cochrane Diagnostic Test Accuracy Working Group. 

Workshop type: Training.

Objective: To provide tools for framing the question; for establishing eligibility criteria from the type of question; and for searching diagnostic test accuracy studies. 

Summary:
Systematic reviews on diagnostic tests are set up to inform decisions about using or selecting diagnostic tests. The diagnostic question to be answered has to be carefully formulated and determines the appropriate research approach. Topics to be discussed in this workshop include:
• an explanation and examples of the most relevant types of questions;
• the key components to be included in the objective of the review;
• how to define and use the question components;
• how to develop an adequate search strategy.

The workshop will include:
• brief presentations (45 minutes );
• small group exercises and discussion using patient scenarios clinicians;
• encounter in the hospital wards or in clinics. (45 minutes);
Participants will have the opportunity to discuss and deal with complexity of clinical diagnostic questions. Training material will be distributed.

Intended audience: Review authors interested in conducting diagnostic test accuracy systematic reviews; people who want to critically appraise diagnostic systematic reviews.

Technical level expected of participants: Intermediate.