Table 2.

Grades of recommendations

Grade	Type of evidence
A	At 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.
B	A 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+.
C	A 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++.
D	Evidence level 3 or 4 or.
	Extrapolated evidence from studies rated 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 as good practice points.

RCT, randomised controlled trial.