Figure 4. .

Example illustrating the uncertainty that a beneficial group-mean effect will provide benefit to an individual patient. Assuming ≥6° of improvement represents a minimal clinically important difference (MCID), pooled standard deviation = 2.0, and n = 50, the 95% confidence interval is defined by . Despite very narrow confidence intervals for the absolute mean difference (AMD) between treatments A and B (identified by brackets), as well as very large standardized mean difference (SMD) values for each of 3 scenarios, some patients will not achieve the MCID. The potential for a given patient to derive meaningful benefit is possible for scenario B₁ (50% ≥ MCID), probable for scenario B₂ (84% ≥ MCID), and highly probable for scenario B₃ (95% ≥ MCID). Adapted with permission from the National Athletic Trainers' Association from Denegar CR, Wilkerson GB. Evidence-based practice and uncertainty about patient outcomes. NATA News. 2017;April:20–22.