Focusing on practical, patient related issues, this volume provides the basic concepts of Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) as they relate to Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and presents various practical applications. It includes EBM concepts for use in the identification of cost-effective panels of immunostains and other laboratory tests and for improvement of diagnostic accuracy based on the identification of selected diagnostic features for particular differential diagnosis. EBM concepts are also put forth for use in Meta-analysis to integrate the results of conflicting literature reports and use of novel analytical tools such as Bayesian belief networks, neural networks, multivariate statistics and decision tree analysis for the development of new diagnostic and prognostic models for the evaluation of patients. This volume will be of great value to pathologists who will benefit from the concepts being promoted by EBM, such as levels of evidence, use of Bayesian statistics to develop diagnostic and other rules and stronger reliance on "hard data" to support therapeutic and diagnostic modalities.

Focuses on practical patient related issues

Table of ContentsPrefaceContributorsI. The Problem and Available Resources1. Introduction to Evidence-Based Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Alberto M. Marchevsky and Mark Wick. Evidence-Based Pathology: A Stable Set of Principles for a Rapidly Evolving Specialty José Costa and Sarah Whitaker3. What Is Best Evidence in Pathology?Peter J. Saunders and Christopher N. Otis4. Biostatistics 101Robin T. Vollmer5. Prognostication and Prediction in Anatomic Pathology: Carcinoma of the Breast as an Illustrative ModelMark R. Wick and Alberto M. Marchevsky6. Principles of Classification and Diagnosis in Anatomic Pathology and the Inevitability of Problem CasesMichael Hendrickson7. Evaluating Oncopathological Studies: The Need to Evaluate the Internal and External Validity of Study ResultsMichael Hendrickson and Bonnie Balzer8. Power Analysis and Sample Sizes in Pathology ResearchRobin T. Vollmer9. Meta-Analysis: A Statistical Method to Integrate Information Provided by Different Studies Eleftherios C. Vamvakas10. Decision Analysis and Decision Support Systems in Anatomic PathologyMichael Hendrickson and Bonnie BalzerII. Solutions Offered by Evidence-Based Pathology and Laboratory Medicine11. Evidence-Based Approach to Evaluate Information Published in the Pathology Literature and Integrate It with Personal Experience Alberto M. Marchevsky and Mark Wick12. Evidence-Based Cell Pathology Re-visited:  A Personal ViewKenneth Fleming13. Development of Evidence-Based Diagnostic Criteria and Prognostic/Predictive Models: Experience at Cedars Sinai Medical CenterAlberto M. Marchevsky and Ruta Gupta14. Evaluation and Reduction of Diagnostic Errors in Pathology Using an Evidence-Based ApproachRaouf E. Nakhleh15. Metaanalysis 101 for PathologistsRuta Gupta and Alberto M. Marchevsky16. Evidence-Based Practices in Applied Immunohistochemistry: Dilemmas Caused by Cross-PurposesMark R. Wick, Paul E. Swanson, and Alberto M. Marchevsky17. Evidence-Based Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in the Molecular Pathology Era: Transition of Tests from the Research Bench into PracticeJia-Perng Jennifer Wei and Wayne W. Grody18. The Use of Decision Analysis Tools for the Selection of Clinical Laboratory Tests: Developing Diagnostic and Forecasting Models Using Laboratory EvidenceJi Yeon Kim, Elizabeth M. Van Cott, and Kent B. Lewandrowski19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Stacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  José Costa and Sarah Whitaker3. What Is Best Evidence in Pathology?Peter J. Saunders and Christopher N. Otis4. Biostatistics 101Robin T. Vollmer5. Prognostication and Prediction in Anatomic Pathology: Carcinoma of the Breast as an Illustrative ModelMark R. Wick and Alberto M. Marchevsky6. Principles of Classification and Diagnosis in Anatomic Pathology and the Inevitability of Problem CasesMichael Hendrickson7. Evaluating Oncopathological Studies: The Need to Evaluate the Internal and External Validity of Study ResultsMichael Hendrickson and Bonnie Balzer8. Power Analysis and Sample Sizes in Pathology ResearchRobin T. Vollmer9. Meta-Analysis: A Statistical Method to Integrate Information Provided by Different Studies Eleftherios C. Vamvakas10. Decision Analysis and Decision Support Systems in Anatomic PathologyMichael Hendrickson and Bonnie BalzerII. Solutions Offered by Evidence-Based Pathology and Laboratory Medicine11. Evidence-Based Approach to Evaluate Information Published in the Pathology Literature and Integrate It with Personal Experience Alberto M. Marchevsky and Mark Wick12. Evidence-Based Cell Pathology Re-visited:  A Personal ViewKenneth Fleming13. Development of Evidence-Based Diagnostic Criteria and Prognostic/Predictive Models: Experience at Cedars Sinai Medical CenterAlberto M. Marchevsky and Ruta Gupta14. Evaluation and Reduction of Diagnostic Errors in Pathology Using an Evidence-Based ApproachRaouf E. Nakhleh15. Metaanalysis 101 for PathologistsRuta Gupta and Alberto M. Marchevsky16. Evidence-Based Practices in Applied Immunohistochemistry: Dilemmas Caused by Cross-PurposesMark R. Wick, Paul E. Swanson, and Alberto M. Marchevsky17. Evidence-Based Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in the Molecular Pathology Era: Transition of Tests from the Research Bench into PracticeJia-Perng Jennifer Wei and Wayne W. Grody18. The Use of Decision Analysis Tools for the Selection of Clinical Laboratory Tests: Developing Diagnostic and Forecasting Models Using Laboratory EvidenceJi Yeon Kim, Elizabeth M. Van Cott, and Kent B. Lewandrowski19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Stacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Peter J. Saunders and Christopher N. Otis4. Biostatistics 101Robin T. Vollmer5. Prognostication and Prediction in Anatomic Pathology: Carcinoma of the Breast as an Illustrative ModelMark R. Wick and Alberto M. Marchevsky6. Principles of Classification and Diagnosis in Anatomic Pathology and the Inevitability of Problem CasesMichael Hendrickson7. Evaluating Oncopathological Studies: The Need to Evaluate the Internal and External Validity of Study ResultsMichael Hendrickson and Bonnie Balzer8. Power Analysis and Sample Sizes in Pathology ResearchRobin T. Vollmer9. Meta-Analysis: A Statistical Method to Integrate Information Provided by Different Studies Eleftherios C. Vamvakas10. Decision Analysis and Decision Support Systems in Anatomic PathologyMichael Hendrickson and Bonnie BalzerII. Solutions Offered by Evidence-Based Pathology and Laboratory Medicine11. Evidence-Based Approach to Evaluate Information Published in the Pathology Literature and Integrate It with Personal Experience Alberto M. Marchevsky and Mark Wick12. Evidence-Based Cell Pathology Re-visited:  A Personal ViewKenneth Fleming13. Development of Evidence-Based Diagnostic Criteria and Prognostic/Predictive Models: Experience at Cedars Sinai Medical CenterAlberto M. Marchevsky and Ruta Gupta14. Evaluation and Reduction of Diagnostic Errors in Pathology Using an Evidence-Based ApproachRaouf E. Nakhleh15. Metaanalysis 101 for PathologistsRuta Gupta and Alberto M. Marchevsky16. Evidence-Based Practices in Applied Immunohistochemistry: Dilemmas Caused by Cross-PurposesMark R. Wick, Paul E. Swanson, and Alberto M. Marchevsky17. Evidence-Based Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in the Molecular Pathology Era: Transition of Tests from the Research Bench into PracticeJia-Perng Jennifer Wei and Wayne W. Grody18. The Use of Decision Analysis Tools for the Selection of Clinical Laboratory Tests: Developing Diagnostic and Forecasting Models Using Laboratory EvidenceJi Yeon Kim, Elizabeth M. Van Cott, and Kent B. Lewandrowski19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Stacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Mark R. Wick and Alberto M. Marchevsky6. Principles of Classification and Diagnosis in Anatomic Pathology and the Inevitability of Problem CasesMichael Hendrickson7. Evaluating Oncopathological Studies: The Need to Evaluate the Internal and External Validity of Study ResultsMichael Hendrickson and Bonnie Balzer8. Power Analysis and Sample Sizes in Pathology ResearchRobin T. Vollmer9. Meta-Analysis: A Statistical Method to Integrate Information Provided by Different Studies Eleftherios C. Vamvakas10. Decision Analysis and Decision Support Systems in Anatomic PathologyMichael Hendrickson and Bonnie BalzerII. Solutions Offered by Evidence-Based Pathology and Laboratory Medicine11. Evidence-Based Approach to Evaluate Information Published in the Pathology Literature and Integrate It with Personal Experience Alberto M. Marchevsky and Mark Wick12. Evidence-Based Cell Pathology Re-visited:  A Personal ViewKenneth Fleming13. Development of Evidence-Based Diagnostic Criteria and Prognostic/Predictive Models: Experience at Cedars Sinai Medical CenterAlberto M. Marchevsky and Ruta Gupta14. Evaluation and Reduction of Diagnostic Errors in Pathology Using an Evidence-Based ApproachRaouf E. Nakhleh15. Metaanalysis 101 for PathologistsRuta Gupta and Alberto M. Marchevsky16. Evidence-Based Practices in Applied Immunohistochemistry: Dilemmas Caused by Cross-PurposesMark R. Wick, Paul E. Swanson, and Alberto M. Marchevsky17. Evidence-Based Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in the Molecular Pathology Era: Transition of Tests from the Research Bench into PracticeJia-Perng Jennifer Wei and Wayne W. Grody18. The Use of Decision Analysis Tools for the Selection of Clinical Laboratory Tests: Developing Diagnostic and Forecasting Models Using Laboratory EvidenceJi Yeon Kim, Elizabeth M. Van Cott, and Kent B. Lewandrowski19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Stacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  13. Development of Evidence-Based Diagnostic Criteria and Prognostic/Predictive Models: Experience at Cedars Sinai Medical CenterAlberto M. Marchevsky and Ruta Gupta14. Evaluation and Reduction of Diagnostic Errors in Pathology Using an Evidence-Based ApproachRaouf E. Nakhleh15. Metaanalysis 101 for PathologistsRuta Gupta and Alberto M. Marchevsky16. Evidence-Based Practices in Applied Immunohistochemistry: Dilemmas Caused by Cross-PurposesMark R. Wick, Paul E. Swanson, and Alberto M. Marchevsky17. Evidence-Based Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in the Molecular Pathology Era: Transition of Tests from the Research Bench into PracticeJia-Perng Jennifer Wei and Wayne W. Grody18. The Use of Decision Analysis Tools for the Selection of Clinical Laboratory Tests: Developing Diagnostic and Forecasting Models Using Laboratory EvidenceJi Yeon Kim, Elizabeth M. Van Cott, and Kent B. Lewandrowski19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Stacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Mark R. Wick, Paul E. Swanson, and Alberto M. Marchevsky17. Evidence-Based Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in the Molecular Pathology Era: Transition of Tests from the Research Bench into PracticeJia-Perng Jennifer Wei and Wayne W. Grody18. The Use of Decision Analysis Tools for the Selection of Clinical Laboratory Tests: Developing Diagnostic and Forecasting Models Using Laboratory EvidenceJi Yeon Kim, Elizabeth M. Van Cott, and Kent B. Lewandrowski19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Stacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  19. Implementation and Benefits of Computerized Physician Order Entry and Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support SystemsStacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Stacy E. F. Melanson, Aileen P. Morrison, David W. Bates, and Milenko J. Tanasijevic 20. Evidence-Based Pathology and Tort Law: How Do They Compare?Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex  Mark R. Wick and Elliott FoucarIndex