TI Methods Speaker Series: Diagnostic test accuracy network meta-analysis methods

TI Methods Speaker Series: Diagnostic test accuracy network meta-analysis methods

This live webinar has already taken place. Scroll down to view the video recording.

The majority of diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) meta-analyses evaluate the accuracy of a single index test at a time; however, there may be several index tests available for a target condition. Comparative accuracy of index tests for a certain target condition is important for decision-making. To compare the accuracy of multiple index tests, several comparative meta-analysis models have been developed over the past few years.

Areti-Angeliki Veroniki and Sofia Tsokani presented and discussed methods that have been recognized in their recent scoping review for comparing at least three index tests coming from a variety of studies within a single framework. Such methods can be based on either hierarchical meta-regression methods or models developed specifically for diagnostic test accuracy network meta-analysis (DTA-NMA).

They exemplified reasons that NMA methods for comparing interventions cannot be directly applied to DTA studies. They presented and discussed the features and characteristics of available methods for conducting a DTA-NMA in a single model (ANOVA, Beta-Binomial model by Nyaga et al). They reviewed the pros and cons of the available DTA-NMA models, as well as the selection of model depending on data and different scenarios (e.g. number of thresholds used, etc). They presented the basic principles of conducting DTA-NMA and assumptions (transitivity).  Using an empirical dataset, they implemented DTA-NMA models within Bayesian framework and interpreted their outputs. They also discussed visualization approaches (network plots).

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TITLE: Diagnostic test accuracy network meta-analysis methods

WHEN: Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 at 12:00 noon PDT [convert to your local time]

SPEAKERS: Areti-Angeliki Veroniki (Scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Canada and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto in the Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation) and Sofia Tsokani (Statistics Editor at Methods Support Unit of Cochrane Central Editorial Team, London, UK and Research Associate at the University of Ioannina, Greece).


About the Speakers:

Dr. Areti-Angeliki Veroniki is a Scientist at the Knowledge Translation Program of St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto in the Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation. She is a co-Convenor of the Cochrane Statistical Methods Group and a voting member of the Cochrane Methods Executive. She serves as a Statistical Editor for the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, and an Associate Editor for the Research Synthesis Methods journal. Her interests are to optimize the processes of evidence-based medicine and statistical modelling for knowledge synthesis of study findings. Specifically, her research focuses on methods for meta-analysis and network meta-analysis.

Dr. Sofia Tsokani is Statistics Editor in the Methods Support Unit of the Cochrane Central Editorial Team. She has also been working as Research Associate in the University of Ioannina, in Greece. Her research interests encompass evidence synthesis methods and more specifically statistical modelling for meta-analysis and network meta-analysis of both intervention and diagnostic test accuracy studies.


About the TI Methods Speaker Series: The TI Methods Speaker Series are offered free of charge and everyone is welcome. The event is held at noon on the last Wednesday of each month via videoconference. The presentations are recorded and the video recordings are posted online. Click here to view a list of talks offered in 2023.

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