Key facts

Overview

The aim of this module is to critically appraise and apply, at an advanced level, the best evidence on diagnostic tests. This will briefly revise then extend material on diagnostics from the introductory modules. The module will be led by Dr Annette Plüddemann, Director of the Horizon Scan Programme at the University of Oxford.

Description

Basic Diagnostics

By the end of this section students will be able to:

• understand and be able to extract measures of test accuracy
• understand the concepts of sensitivity, specificity, repeatability and predictive values
• calculate sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values
• calculate and apply Likelihood Ratios

By the end of this section students will be able to:

• understand the context of diagnostic processes, and the limitations and biases of clinical reasoning
• critically appraise articles assessing the validity and repeatability of a screening or diagnostic test, including understanding the importance of:
  • Independent, blind reference standard
  • Spectrum of patients
  • Verification bias
• understand and interpret ROC curves
• understand the concepts and importance of the following issues when conducting a critical appraisal of a systematic review for a screening or diagnostic test:
  • Inclusion/exclusion criteria
  • Implicit / explicit thresholds
  • Applicability of screening
• gain insight into aspects of commissioning diagnostic services
• understand the diagnostic pathway and the role of different tests, including monitoring and screening
• understand the implications of combined tests, including the use and construction of clinical prediction rules

Staff

Assessment methods

Accommodation

Accommodation is available at the Rewley House Residential Centre, within the Department for Continuing Education, in central Oxford. The comfortable, en-suite, study-bedrooms are rated 3-star, and come with free high-speed internet access and TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.

Scholarships

Details of funding opportunities, including grants, bursaries, loans, scholarships and benefit information are available on our financial assistance page.

Fee options

Programme Fee

Students enrolled on MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care: £1575.00

Students enrolled on Postgraduate Cert in Health Research: £1575.00

Students enrolled on Postgraduate Dip in Health Research: £1575.00

Short course in health sciences: £1890.00

Apply for this course

Programmes including this module

This module can be studied as part of these programmes:

• Evidence-based health care
• MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care
• Postgraduate Certificate in Health Research
• Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research
• Short courses in health sciences