Table 1 Quality of evidence and strength of recommendations
Grade | Content |
|---|---|
Quality of evidence | |
High (A) | We are very confident that the actual effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect |
Moderate (B) | We are moderately confident of the effect estimate: The actual effect is likely to be close to the evaluation of the effect, but there is a possibility that it is substantially different |
Low (C) | Our confidence in the effect estimate is limited: The true effect may be substantially different from the evaluation of the effect |
Very low (D) | We have very little confidence in the effect estimate: The true effect is likely to be substantially different from the estimate of effect |
Strength of recommendations | |
Strong (1) | Clearly shows the benefits of intervention outweigh the harms or more harms than benefits |
Weak (2) | Uncertain about the benefits and harms or the benefits and harms are tantamount regardless of the quality of evidence |