Method comparison studies in medicine
- Author:
Rafdzah Z
;
Bulgiba A
;
Ismail NA
- Publication Type:Editorial
- Keywords:
agreement;
reliability;
method comparison study;
validation study
- MeSH:
Costs and Cost Analysis
- From:Journal of University of Malaya Medical Centre
2013;16(1):1-7
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Most of important variables measured in medicine are in numerical forms or continuous in nature. New
instruments and tests are constantly being developed for the purpose of measuring various variables, with the aim
of providing cheaper, non-invasive, more convenient and safe methods. When a new method of measurement
or instrument is invented, the quality of the instrument has to be assessed. Agreement and reliability are both
important parameters in determining the quality of an instrument. This article will discuss some issues related
to methods comparison study in medicine for the benefit of medical professional and researcher.
METHOD:
This is a narrative review and this article review the most common statistical methods used to assess agreement
and reliability of medical instruments that measure the same continuous outcome. The two methods discussed
in detail were the Bland-Altman Limits of Agreement, and Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC). This article
also discussed some issues related to method comparison studies including the application of inappropriate
statistical methods, multiple statistical methods, and the strengths and weaknesses of each method. The
importance of appropriate statistical method in the analysis of agreement and reliability in medicine is also
highlighted in this article.
CONCLUSION:
There is no single perfect method to assess agreement and reliability; however researchers should be aware
of the inappropriate methods that they should avoid when analysing data in method comparison studies.
Inappropriate analysis will lead to invalid conclusions and thus validated instrument might not be accurate
or reliable. Consequently this will affect the quality of care given to a patient.
- Full text:P020150603374642645195.pdf
