External validity Examine inclusion and exclusion criteria and characteristics of study participants. Study participants are similar to patients the report reader sees; the treatment should be useful.

Of the 16 available MDD prediction instruments, researchers recommend using those assessing prior treatments and clinical characteristics.

Many outcome measures, which are increasingly used as a basis for federal public reporting and payment programs, do not meet criteria assessing their accuracy and validity for use, an article ...

External validity Examine inclusion and exclusion criteria and characteristics of study participants. Study participants are similar to patients the report reader sees; the treatment should be useful.