Analysing data from observer studies in medical imaging research : An introductory guide to free-response techniques

Thompson, JD; Manning, D; Hogg, P

Abstract

Observer performance methods maintain their place in radiology research, particularly in the assessment
of the diagnostic accuracy of new and existing techniques, despite not being fully embraced by the wider
audience in medical imaging. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) paradigm has been widely used
in research and the latest location sensitive methods allow an analysis that is closer to the clinical
scenario. This paper discusses the underpinning theories behind observer performance assessment,
exploring the potential sources of error and the development of the ROC method. The paper progresses
by explaining the clinical relevance and statistical suitability of the free-response ROC (FROC) paradigm,
and the methodological considerations for those wishing to perform an observer performance study.

Citation

Thompson, J., Manning, D., & Hogg, P. (2014). Analysing data from observer studies in medical imaging research : An introductory guide to free-response techniques. Radiography, 20(4), 295-299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2014.04.005

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 16, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Jun 3, 2014
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2014
• Deposit Date: Jan 27, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2016
• Journal: Radiography
• Print ISSN: 1078-8174
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 295-299
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2014.04.005
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2014.04.005
• Related Public URLs: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/radiography/