[Diagnostic judgement and evaluation]

Rehabilitation (Stuttg). 2007 Feb;46(1):9-15. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-958534.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The present article provides an overview of principles and standards for diagnostic decisions and evaluation. Assessment aims to answer concrete questions. Clinical and statistical judgements represent two strategies for the integration of diagnostic information. It is illustrated that the hit-rate is closely linked to validity, base-rate, and selection-rate. Depending on the psychological question it might be necessary to either detect many "appropriate" or reject many "inappropriate" persons (sensitivity-specificity). In the case of multiple criteria three strategies are available, for which adequate practical applications are proposed. As far as the assessment process is concerned, recommendations are available for hypothesis-guided data collection and integration. As a special assessment problem simulation/aggravation is discussed. A listing of quality aspects shows how to identify good evaluations. Finally, procedures to maintain a high quality are recommended.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Disability Evaluation*
  • Eligibility Determination / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Eligibility Determination / statistics & numerical data
  • Expert Testimony / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Mathematical Computing
  • National Health Programs / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • National Health Programs / statistics & numerical data
  • Needs Assessment / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Needs Assessment / statistics & numerical data
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Rehabilitation / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Rehabilitation / statistics & numerical data
  • Software