Evaluation of diagnostic tests

Description

Diagnostic tests are an essential component of medical diagnosis. Their results directly influence clinical decisions (initiating treatment, ordering further investigations, determining therapeutic direction, etc.). To be reliable and relevant, these tests must first undergo rigorous validation and an assessment of their performance (sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, reproducibility, etc.).

The course will cover: the various types of diagnostic tests; the stages of test validation—from laboratory validation to field application; protocol development, including the identification and discussion of potential biases; key metrics for evaluating test validity and reproducibility (sensitivity, specificity, ROC curves, kappa, Bland-Altman methods, etc.); models used when a reference standard is imperfect or unavailable; and quality criteria for diagnostic studies. These theoretical concepts will be supplemented by practical examples using software.

Disseminating this knowledge to public health professionals will support them in their operational activities, disease surveillance, and other health-related initiatives.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Develop protocols for evaluating diagnostic tests.
• Measure the performance (sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, etc.) of diagnostic tests.
• Critically evaluate studies concerning diagnostic tests.
• Determine the most appropriate diagnostic tools to use based on the local context.

The final assessment consists of an examination.

Applications are evaluated by the Course Committee.

 Calmette and Yersin Study Grant :

Pasteur Network Members can apply to a C&Y Study Grant  (supporting their registration fee and part of their living expenses - 1200 euros/monthly pro rata). Application must been submitted  by the same date as the course’s application deadline through the following link: https://calls.pasteur-network.org/applications.aspx   

For more information : p4p@pasteur.fr