The web-based application "QUiPP v.2" for the prediction of preterm birth in symptomatic women is not yet ready for worldwide clinical use: ten reflections on development, validation and use

Abstract

Purpose In this correspondence, we highlight general and domain-specific caveats in the development and validation of prediction models.

Methods Development and use of the "QUiPP" application, a tool for preterm birth prediction which is supported by the United Kingdom National Health Service, is scrutinised and commented on.

Results We highlight and elaborate ten points which may be perceived to be unclear or potentially misleading.

Conclusion While the QUiPP application has high potential, it lacks transparency (on certain aspects related to model development) and proper validation. This precludes transportability to settings with other treatment policies and to other countries where the app has been made publicly available.