Exposure classification sensitivity plan
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StatMedAnalysis | Original downloadable worksheet | 6 November 2026

Explore how imperfect exposure labels could affect the study comparison.

How to use this worksheet
Define the true exposure construct and the recorded proxy separately. Identify a
validation source or justify hypothetical sensitivity and specificity ranges. Consider
whether errors differ by outcome or comparison group. Predefine scenario calculations
and retain assumptions rather than selecting a favorable corrected result.

Save a working copy and keep the original blank version. Use public, hypothetical or
aggregate information only; do not enter patient identifiers, credentials or confidential
records. Keep source evidence in your approved project workspace. Mark unresolved text
fields UNKNOWN or NOT REPORTED with a reason; never substitute zero for an unknown count.

Project/version __________________  Prepared by role/date __________________

Working fields
1. True exposure construct
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

2. Recorded proxy and threshold
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

3. Validation population and reference
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

4. Sensitivity range and source
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

5. Specificity range and source
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

6. Differential-error mechanisms
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

7. Scenario grid and outcome of interest
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

8. Limits of transporting validation evidence
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Hypothetical worked case
A fictional medication record indicates dispensing rather than ingestion. High
specificity for dispensing does not establish adherence, and an external validation
sample may not represent patients in the current cohort.

Decision rule and limitations
Do not describe sensitivity analysis as correcting the truth. Report the range of
results under explicit error assumptions and state when joint error mechanisms remain
unmodeled.

Decision _______________________  Remaining uncertainty ____________________
Next action ____________________  Owner / review date ______________________
Independent check and discrepancy resolution _______________________________

Official method or reporting reference checked 6 November 2026
https://www.cochrane.org/authors/handbooks-and-manuals/handbook/current/chapter-25

This is an original planning aid, not an official checklist, validated instrument,
clinical recommendation or certificate of expert approval. Apply the referenced
guidance to the specific design and record any additional requirements.