title: Evaluating a model to predict protocol performance.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A test protocol is created when individual tests are combined. Even with a few tests, many different protocols are possible. Often, the clinician must select a protocol without information as to the performance of the possible protocols. A model to predict protocol performance could help in this selection process.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the validity and accuracy of a mathematical model for predicting protocol performance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Predictions of the model are compared to actual data on protocol performance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With complete information, there was almost perfect agreement between predicted and actual data. With partial information, the model still made very accurate estimates of protocol performance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Even with incomplete information, which is frequently the case in a clinical situation, the model can eliminate many protocols from consideration and aid in the selection of an appropriate protocol.
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication Disorders, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, USA. rturne@lsuhsc.edu
authors.forename: Robert G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: Annette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hurley
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D006320:Hearing Tests / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011581:Psychological Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results