# Addressing the need for economic modelling when designing and reporting a diagnostic testing accuracy study

## TL;DR

This paper suggests adding eight elements to diagnostic test accuracy study guidelines to improve the credibility of economic evaluations.

## Contribution

The paper proposes eight new elements to enhance the STARD 2015 guidelines for economic modeling in diagnostic test accuracy studies.

## Key findings

- Eight elements were identified to improve the credibility of economic evaluations based on diagnostic test accuracy studies.
- Examples and practical recommendations were provided to support the proposed additions to the STARD guidelines.

## Abstract

Model-based economic evaluations rely on results of diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) studies to assess the value-for-money of a new diagnostic or prognostic test. The 30-item Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD) 2015 guidelines are the gold-standard guidelines for DTA studies. In this Perspective paper, we conducted a rapid review of publicly available economic evaluations of a new diagnostic test between 2012 and 2025 to formulate eight elements that we believe could be added to STARD 2015 to help enhance the credibility of DTA-based economic evaluations. Examples from the rapid review and practical recommendations were provided.