Key steps and common pitfalls in developing and validating risk models

BJOG. 2017 Feb;124(3):423-432. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.14170. Epub 2016 Jun 30.

Abstract

Models for estimating an individual's risk of having or developing a disease are abundant in the medical literature, yet many do not meet the methodological standards that have been set to maximise generalisability and utility. This paper presents an overview of ten steps from the conception of the study to the implementation of the risk model and discusses common pitfalls. We discuss crucial aspects of study design, data collection, model development and performance evaluation, and discuss how to bring the model to clinical practice.

Tweetable abstract: We present an overview of ten key steps for the development of risk models and discuss common pitfalls.

Keywords: Clinical prediction model; logistic regression; model development; model reporting; model validation; risk model.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Research Design*
  • Risk Assessment / methods*