Clinical utility - Information about the usefulness of tests

Tony Badrick; Francis Bowling

doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2023.110656

Clinical utility - Information about the usefulness of tests

Clin Biochem. 2023 Nov:121-122:110656. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2023.110656. Epub 2023 Oct 4.

Authors

Tony Badrick¹, Francis Bowling²

Affiliations

¹ Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs, St Leonards, Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.

PMID: 37802380
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2023.110656

Abstract

The clinical utility of a diagnostic test refers to its usefulness in improving patient outcomes, informing clinical decision-making, and optimizing healthcare resources. A diagnostic test with high clinical utility provides accurate, reliable, and actionable information that can guide appropriate treatment decisions, monitor treatment response, and identify potential adverse events or complications. Ultimately, the clinical utility of a diagnostic test depends on how well it can improve patient outcomes by guiding appropriate treatment decisions, improving clinical outcomes, and optimizing healthcare resource utilization. Healthcare providers need to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using a particular diagnostic test in their clinical practice to determine its clinical utility.

Keywords: Clinical decision support; Diagnostic test; Patient benefit; Standards of evidence.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Clinical Decision-Making*
Diagnostic Tests, Routine*
Humans