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. 2021 Jun 14;9(5):598–625. doi: 10.1002/ueg2.12099

TABLE 1.

Descriptors of grading 1

Descriptor Meaning Wording
A—Strength high Evidence or general accord that the procedure or statement is useful or effective. Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect …has to be…
…is to be…
…shall…
B—Strength moderate Conflicting evidence or discordant opinions that the procedure or statement is useful or effective. The weight of evidence/opinion is in favor of utility. Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate …should…
…can…
C—Strength low Conflicting evidence or discordant opinions that the procedure or statement is useful or effective. 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 …could…
D—Strength very low Any estimate of effect is very uncertain …may…