Objective
To compile a database on the clinical features of the diseases presenting as jaundice in the various countries, using a common proforma with common terminology and definitions.
To provide quality control of the large and disparate data by circulating all cases to all centres, allowing them to monitor their performances and resolve anomalies as soon as they arise.
To use the Community scientific communications networks for concurrent exchange of data, comment and analysis.
To determine the accuracy of diagnosis using the clinical data from adequate numbers (>100 cases) of each disease, and thus establish the baselines for technological aid in these diseases.
To encourage concurrent analysis of the data in all centres by such techniques (statistical, pattern-recognition, expert systems) as are available.
To make the benefits of the technology itself available to each participating centre from the outset, and to such other centres as are willing to accept it.
A database has been compiled of the clinical features of diseases presenting as jaundice in over 128 centres in 26 European countries. The database covers adequately at least 45 disease conditions. The agreement among 4 observers examining a case according to the protocol was measured on 111 doctors in 8 countries. It was consistently 84-89% regardless of language. Norms for the 12 common blood tests used in diagnosing jaundice were based on the results of 75000 tests. Normal ranges were obtained on 220 controls (11 centres) and laboratory variation on 6 standard samples tested in 22 centres. A problem in standards was discovered. Audit feedback on their cases in comparison to the database as a whole was provided to the centres, listing missing data, mix of diseases, symptom frequencies and the diagnostic accuracy of the program on their cases (a pan European audit), and summaries of their case. The use of the protocol and of feedback to the observers improved the diagnostic quality of the data by 12%, the diagnostic accuracy of the doctors by up to 50% and the omission rate of the data 3-fold. Diagnostic programs were prepared by Bayesian, pattern recognition, likelihood ratio, neural net and knowledge based techniques. The crude Bayesian version based on quality case achieved 72% accuracy. Circulated for field test it attained 50% while a trial algorithm reached 75% (106 cases reported by 12 centres to data) Neural net and hybrid knowledge approaches outperformed Bayes. The threshold for assessment of the value added by diagnostic technology was reproducibly set by computer diagnosis. The added value of each blood test was demonstrated. The residual scope for new technologies was also established, but may be affected by refinement of computer diagnosis and development of more user friendly interface.
During the course of the project reciprocal participation has occurred with other European projects in related fields.
Methodology
The project was in effect a clinical trial of clinical data from a clinical and bioengineering point of view, reflecting practice on the ground. It is not an epidemiological or statistical exercise.
The over-riding considerations were the European dimension, the uniformity of case gathering, adequate numbers of cases and an effective diagnostic method.
The participating hospitals were self-chosen, unfunded and dependent on local conditions. They included university, large municipal, district and small hospitals, and medical, surgical, hepatology, and mainly, gastro-enterology units. All instruments (data-set, disease-set, proforma, brochure, video; data entry, edit and diagnostic programs; feedback and database were constructed in wide consultation, field-tested in all centres, amended, retested in the field and adopted.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences databases
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine hepatology
- engineering and technology medical engineering medical laboratory technology diagnostic technologies
- engineering and technology medical engineering medical laboratory technology laboratory samples analysis
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine gastroenterology
You need to log in or register to use this function
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Data not available
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Data not available
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
Galway
Ireland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.