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. 2020 Apr 16;8(4):371–395. doi: 10.1177/2050640620916681

Table 1.

Explanation of definitions of grading of recommendations assessment development and evaluation (GRADE) score used by the GRADE method.

GRADE Explanation Definition strength of recommendation Definition quality of evidence
1A Strong recommendation
High quality of evidence
Benefits clearly outweigh risks and burdens, or vice versa Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect
1B Strong recommendation
Moderate quality of evidence
Benefits clearly outweigh risks and burdens, or vice versa Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate
1C Strong recommendation
Low quality of evidence
Benefits clearly outweigh risks and burdens, or vice versa Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate
1D Strong recommendation
Very low quality of evidence
Benefits clearly outweigh risks and burdens, or vice versa Any estimate of effect is very uncertain
2A Weak recommendation
High quality of evidence
Trade-offs between benefits and risks and burdens are closely balanced Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect
2B Weak recommendation
Moderate quality of evidence
Trade-offs between benefits and risks and burdens are closely balanced Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate
2C Weak recommendation
Low quality of evidence
Trade-offs between benefits and risks and burdens are closely balanced Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate
2D Weak recommendation
Very low quality of evidence
Trade-offs between benefits and risks and burdens are closely balanced Any estimate of effect is very uncertain