Journal of general internal medicine
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The Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) statement provided guidelines for investigators conducting diagnostic accuracy studies. We reviewed each item in the statement for its applicability to clinical examination diagnostic accuracy research, viewing each discrete aspect of the history and physical examination as a diagnostic test. ⋯ The STARD statement provides a very useful framework for diagnostic accuracy studies. The group correctly anticipated that there would be nuances applicable to studies of the clinical examination. We offer guidance that should enhance their usefulness to investigators embarking on original studies of a patient's history and physical examination.