Smart Testing
Purpose: The Smart Testing series examines scenarios in which diagnostic tests are commonly ordered in the absence of supporting data. The articles use evidence-based recommendations to clarify when testing is appropriate. Authors are encouraged to include specific examples of testing that may be excessive or harmful.
Style: The writing style should be plain and straightforward, with a minimum of technical jargon.
Format: The article should begin with a brief vignette (no more than 50 words) that raises a question about the use of a diagnostic test. The discussion (1,200 words, no more than 10 references) that follows should focus primarily on the clinical factors that influence the choice of tests, but cost-related factors may also be discussed.
If discussing results of clinical studies, the absolute risk value and number needed to treatshould be included whenever possible, rather than the relative risk and hazard ratio.
Content: The vignette and discussion should illustrate how to make best use of an imaging test or other diagnostic procedure.
Authorship: Every person listed as an author must have contributed substantially to the paper according to the authorship criteria of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. The criteria are as follows:
- Each author listed must have contributed to the conception or design of the paper, or to the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data.
- Each author listed must have participated in drafting the paper or revising it critically for important intellectual content.
- Each author listed must have given final approval of the version to be published.
- Each author listed must have agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the paper, ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part are appropriately investigated and resolved.
Example of a Smart Testing article.