title: Recommendations for research design and reporting in computer-assisted diagnosis to facilitate meta-analysis.
abstract: Computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) describes a diverse, heterogeneous range of applications rather than a single entity. The aims and functions of CAD systems vary considerably and comparing studies and systems is challenging due to methodological and design differences. In addition, poor study quality and reporting can reduce the value of some publications. Meta-analyses of CAD are therefore difficult and may not provide reliable conclusions. Aiming to determine the major sources of heterogeneity and thereby what CAD researchers could change to allow this sort of assessment, this study reviews a sample of 147 papers concerning CAD used with imaging for cancer diagnosis. It discusses sources of variability, including the goal of the CAD system, learning methodology, study population, design, outcome measures, inclusion of radiologists, and study quality. Based upon this evidence, recommendations are made to help researchers optimize the quality and comparability of their trial design and reporting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College London, Malet Place Engineering Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. leadie@medphys.ucl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Leila H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Eadie
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Adam P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Gibson
mesh_terms: D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012107:Research Design