Using the GRADE system in diagnostic strategy: the case of antiphospholipid syndrome. (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de Abreu, M Mendes; Levy, RA; Wahl, D
• Is Part Of: Lupus. Volume 23:Number 12(2014)
• Page Start: 1292
• Page End: 1294
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: GRADE -- antiphospholipid syndrome -- diagnostic strategy; Systemic lupus erythematosus -- Periodicals; 616.772005
• DOI: 10.1177/0961203314543922
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-2033

Abstract

Diagnostic strategy studies commonly focus on the accuracy of tests in diagnosing, and grading this body of evidence is a challenge in itself because (1) standard tools for grading evidence were designed for questions about treatment rather than diagnostic testing; and (2) the clinical usefulness of a diagnostic strategy depends on multiple links in a chain of evidence connecting the performance of a test to changes in clinical outcomes. The application of the GRADE approach requires a shift in clinicians' thinking to clearly recognize that, whatever their accuracy, diagnostic tests are valuable only if they result in improved outcomes for patients.