Web-based Interactive Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) Analysis

摘要

Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis is a common quantitative method used to demonstrate the trade-off between sensitivity and specificity of various tests and other predictors of clinical outcomes. It is also used to compare the discriminatory ability of predictive models. Despite its important role in clinical research and its relevance to clinical practice, it is not a function that has been typically available in commercial statistical packages. For years, many investigators have used a stand alone program first written by Robert Centor in 1988. While an effective tool, this program did not leverage the power of the Web for ease of access, storage and display of ROC results. We present the background on the development and implementation of a functioning Web-based ROC analyzer that is freely available.