Building an evidence base on diagnostic test accuracy research: a meta-epidemiological study

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with strong quantitative skills to train in evidence synthesis methodology, diagnostic test evaluation and Bayesian statistical modelling. You will explore associations between features of studies designed to evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic tests and the estimates of accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) produced. Ultimately the aim is to produce guidance on how systematic reviews of test accuracy might be conducted more efficiently. This 3.5 year PhD studentship, starting in October 2022, is available to UK, EU and International applicants.

Background

In deciding whether a test for a disease or clinical condition is worth performing, or whether perhaps an alternative or no test would be better, evidence on test accuracy is critical. Often estimates of the accuracy of a test are available from multiple studies, which are summarised using systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Systematic reviews of test accuracy tend to be particularly resource intensive and typically many of the studies found are small and of low quality. High levels of heterogeneity (variability) in estimates of test accuracy across studies are also commonly observed, which makes results difficult to interpret. To inform guidance on how these reviews might be made more efficient, empirical evidence is needed on the typical associations between how easy a diagnostic study is to find in a literature search (indexing on major databases), study size, indicators of study quality, and estimates of test accuracy produced.

Aims & objectives

1. Assemble/contribute to development of a database of studies that have been included in diagnostic test accuracy reviews.
2. Develop Bayesian hierarchical models for analysis of associations between study characteristics and estimates of test accuracy produced, building on a modelling approach that has been used to answer similar questions about intervention effectiveness data.
3. Fit models to investigate associations between study characteristics, risk of bias assessments (indicators of study “quality”) and estimates of test accuracy produced.
4. Produce recommendations for how systematic reviews of test accuracy could be conducted more efficiently, based on the findings.

Methods

The student will collate information (study characteristics and quantitative results) from all diagnostic test accuracy studies included in a number of published systematic reviews. This is often called a “meta-epidemiological” dataset. The student will work with the lead supervisor to develop Bayesian hierarchical models to analyse these data, using software such as WinBUGS or JAGS, and will analyse the data.

Candidate requirements

Applications are welcome from individuals with strong quantitative skills, who have, or are expected to achieve, at least a 2:1 or higher degree (or equivalent) and/or a master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. statistics, medical statistics, mathematics). This studentship is available to UK, EU and International applicants.

How to apply

Student applications can be made via the GW4 BioMed2 website: https://www.gw4biomed.ac.uk. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday, 26th November 2021. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an informal online interview with supervisors between Monday 31^st January 2022 and Friday 11th February 2022. The formal interviews will be held virtually on the 16^th and 17^th February 2022.

A GW4 BioMed2 MRC DTP studentship includes full tuition fees at the UK/Home rate, a stipend at the minimum UKRI rate (£15,609 for 21/22), a Research & Training Support Grant (RTSG) valued between £2,000-£5,000 per year and £300 annual travel and conference grant based on a 3.5-year full-time studentship. These funding arrangements will be adjusted pro-rata for part-time studentships.

The GW4 BioMed2 MRC DTP studentships are available to UK, EU and International applicants. The GW4 institutions have all agreed to cover the difference in cost between home and international tuition fees. This means that international candidates will not be expected to cover this cost. 

For any informal queries about the studentship, please contact Dr Hayley Jones ([Email Address Removed]).