Table 3

Grades of recommendation

GradeType of evidence
AAt least one meta-analysis, systematic review, or RCT rated as 1++and directly applicable to the target population or
A systematic review of RCTs or a body of evidence consisting principally of studies rated as 1+directly applicable to the target population and demonstrating overall consistency of results
BA body of evidence including studies rated as 2++directly applicable to the target population and demonstrating overall consistency of results or
Extrapolated evidence from studies rated as 1++or 1+
CA body of evidence including studies rated as 2+directly applicable to the target population and demonstrating overall consistency of results or
Extrapolated evidence from studies rated as 2++
DEvidence of level 3 or four or
Extrapolated evidence from studies rates as 2+
Important practical points for which there is no research evidence, nor is there likely to be any research evidence. The guideline committee wishes to emphasise these Good Practice Points