8. 9 Grading of recommendations and levels of evidence
Different types of trials are given a different weight when making recommendations in treatment guidelines.
UK Treatment guidelines use the system below in Table 1 to rate the different importance of different types of evidence.
For example, a recommendations rated AI should be followed as standard-of-care and can be supported by substantial clinical research.
Table: Grading of recommendations and levels of evidence
| Recommendation | Quality of evidence for recommendations |
|---|---|
| A: Required, should always be followed | (I) At least one randomised trial with clinical endpoints |
| B: Recommended, should usually be followed | (II) At least one randomised trial with surrogate markers |
| C: Optional | (III) Observational cohort data (IV) Expert opinion based on other evidence |
Ref: www.bhiva.org
Last updated: 21 July 2009.
