Evaluating Detection and Diagnostic Decision Support Systems for Bioterrorism Response

Dena M. Bravata, Vandana Sundaram, Kathryn M. McDonald, Wendy M. Smith, Herbert Szeto, Mark D. Schleinitz, Douglas K. Owens

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

We evaluated the usefulness of detection systems and diagnostic decision support systems for bioterrorism response. We performed a systematic review by searching relevant databases (e.g., MEDLINE) and Web sites for reports of detection systems and diagnostic decision support systems that could be used during bioterrorism responses. We reviewed over 24,000 citations and identified 55 detection systems and 23 diagnostic decision support systems. Only 35 systems have been evaluated: 4 reported both sensitivity and specificity, 13 were compared to a reference standard, and 31 were evaluated for their timeliness. Most evaluations of detection systems and some evaluations of diagnostic systems for bioterrorism responses are critically deficient. Because false-positive and false-negative rates are unknown for most systems, decision making on the basis of these systems is seriously compromised. We describe a framework for the design of future evaluations of such systems.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)100-108
Number of pages9
JournalEmerging infectious diseases
Volume10
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2004
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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