Applying diagnosis evidence

Assess diagnostic validity, patient probabilities and similarities, and consequences

In relation to the results of the diagnosis evidence that you have critically appraised, ask yourself these questions when making an applied clinical decision based on diagnosis evidence:

1. Is the diagnostic test available, affordable, accurate, and precise in my setting?

2. Can I generate a clinically sensible estimate of my patient's pre-test probability?

3. Are the study patients similar to mine?

4. Is it unlikely that the disease possibilities or probabilities have changed since the evidence was gathered?

5. Could the test move me across a test-treatment threshold?

6. Would my patient be a willing partner in carrying out the diagnostic test?

7. Would the consequences of the test help my patient reach their goals?
Click on the Assessing Evidence-Based Practice button to continue.
Assessing Evidence-Based Practice
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There are eight considerations taken when applying diagnosis evidence: Availability, cost, and feasibility of the diagnostic test, a clinically sensible estimate of pre-test probability, patient similarities, possible changes in disease probabilities, test-treatment threshold validity, the consequences of testing, patient buy-in, and balance of sensitivity and specificity in the current environment.