Table 1.

Grading of the Statements

Literature level of evidencea A: data derived from multiple RCTs or meta-analyses B1: data derived from 1 RCT B2: data derived from large non-randomized studies C1: data derived from small studies, retrospective studies, or registries C2: expert opinion, no published data

Strength of survey agreement (S)b S1: excellent: 81%–100% S2: good: 61%–80% S3: moderate: 41%–60% S4: fair: 21%–40% S5: poor: <20%

Strength of subgroup opinion (O) OI: strong OII: moderate OIII: weak

Strength of workforce agreement based on Delphi voting (V) % of workforce members who voted 8 or 9 out of 9 (i.e., high agreement)

Abbreviation: RCT, randomized controlled trial.

^aThis scale is in accordance with the grading schema proposed by the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation but provides more details for grade C, which was split into C1 and C2.

^bBased on reference ⁹.