Diagnostic tests in the context of the health technologies assessment

approaches, methods, and interpretation

Abstract

The Health Technology Assessments (HTA) worldwide has been predominantly focused on drugs, medical devices and therapeutic procedures, above all, the surgeries. Despite its unquestionable importance in the natural history of a large number of diseases and of the economic impact associated with its use, the diagnostic exam and tests (DET), considering their qualities and hence the accuracy thereof, has been not evaluated in the context of the HTA. There is a clear shortage of studies that evaluate the DET, both clinician and patient safety, and economical. The purpose of this article is to present and discuss the concepts inherent in the use of DET, the approaches to your employ, the methodologies of evaluation of their properties and accuracy, as well as the interpretation of results DET studies, whether performed individually or in the form of synthesis of studies of accuracy. It is hoped that this text may contribute to better understanding of the specifics found in studies of DET and encourage their inclusion in the HTA.