Table 2 Grading evidence and recommendations (adapted from the GRADE system)
| Â | Notes | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
Quality of Evidence | Â | |
High | Large, high quality randomized control trials. We are confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect. | A |
Moderate | Limited or conflicting data from randomized control trials. The true effect is likely to be close to the estimate of the effect, but there is a possibility that it is substantially different. | B |
Low | Observational studies or very small randomized control trials. The true effect may be substantially different from the estimate of the effect. | C |
Very low | Expert opinion. The estimate of effect is very uncertain, and often will be far from the truth. | D |
Grading Recommendation a | Â | |
Strong 'We recommend' | Conditions for which there is evidence and/or general agreement that a given procedure or treatment is beneficial, useful and effective | 1 |
Weak 'We suggest' | Conditions for which there is conflicting evidence and/or divergence of opinion about the usefulness/efficacy of a procedure or treatment | 2 |