Thirteen studies were included in the review (n=5,565 participants). Results of study quality assessment were not reported.
Taking the optimal cut-off (maximising sensitivity and specificity) for each study, reported sensitivities ranged from 45% (Prisoner Intake Screening
Procedure or PISP) to 100% (Mood and Feelings Questionnaire-Short, SMFQ) and reported specificities ranged from 55% (CODSI for any mental disorder) to 98% (Referral Decision Scale, RDS).
The authors stated that the instruments that appeared to perform the best for sensitivity and specificity, irrespective of the cut-off value used, were the RDS, the combined RDS and PISP and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). However, they noted that this interpretation took no account of study quality or population.