Table 1. Model probabilities
ParameterProbability (base-case value)Lower and upper boundsSource
Probabilities common to all strategies
Prevalence of HF among patients suspected with this condition0.50.45; 0.55Expert opinion
Probability of referral to pulmonary department if negative test0.10.0; 0.2Expert opinion
Probability of referral to pulmonary department if positive test0.00.0; 0.0Expert opinion
Probability of referral to hospital if new GP visit with false negative test result1.0Expert opinion
Clinical diagnosis strategy
Sensitivity0.560.51; 0.61National Clinical Guideline
Centre (UK)10
Specificity0.680.62; 0.73National Clinical Guideline
Centre (UK)10
Probability of referral to hospital if negative test0.60.4; 0.8Expert opinion
Probability of referral to hospital if positive test1.0Expert opinion
Probability of spirometry0.90.8; 1Expert opinion and online survey
POC test strategy
Sensitivity0.90.85; 0.95Schäfer et al 11
Bertsch et al 12
Specificity0.650.6; 0.7Schäfer et al 11
Bertsch et al 12
Probability of referral to hospital if negative test0.40.3; 0.5Expert opinion
Probability of referral to hospital if positive test1.0Expert opinion
Probability of spirometry0.20.1; 0.3Expert opinion and online survey
Hospital test strategy
Sensitivity0.9 0.85; 0.95Schäfer et al 11
Bertsch et al 12
Specificity0.650.6; 0.7Schäfer et al, 11
Bertsch et al 12
Probability of referral to hospital if negative test0.40.3; 0.5Expert opinion
Probability of referral to hospital if positive test1.0Expert opinion
Probability of phone consultation if positive test0.20.1; 0.3Estimate based on online survey
Probability of spirometry0.80.7; 0.9Expert opinion and online survey
  • HF = heart failure.