Appendix A: Grading scheme

Appendix A: Grading scheme

All evidence was classified according to an accepted hierarchy of evidence that was originally adapted from the US Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research Classification (see table 1). Recommendations were then graded A to C based on the level of associated evidence. This grading scheme is based on a scheme formulated by the Clinical Outcomes Group of the NHS Executive (1996).

Table 1: Hierarchy of evidence and recommendations grading scheme

Level

Type of evidence

Grade

Evidence

1

Evidence obtained from a single randomised controlled trial or a meta‑analysis of randomised controlled trials

A

At least 1 randomised controlled trial as part of a body of literature of overall good quality and consistency addressing the specific recommendation (evidence level 1) without extrapolation

2a

Evidence obtained from at least 1 well‑designed controlled study without randomisation

B

Well‑conducted clinical studies but no randomised clinical trials on the topic of recommendation (evidence levels 2 or 3); or extrapolated from level 1 evidence

2b

Evidence obtained from at least 1 other well‑designed quasi-experimental study

3

Evidence obtained from well‑designed non‑experimental descriptive studies, such as comparative studies, correlation studies and case studies

4

Evidence obtained from expert committee reports or opinions and/or clinical experiences of respected authorities

C

Expert committee reports or opinions and/or clinical experiences of respected authorities (evidence level 4) or extrapolated from level 1 or 2 evidence. This grading indicates that directly applicable clinical studies of good quality are absent or not readily available

4

Evidence obtained from expert committee reports or opinions and/or clinical experiences of respected authorities

GPP

Recommended good practice based on the clinical experience of the GDG.

Adapted from Eccles M, Mason J (2001) How to develop cost‑conscious guidelines. Health Technology Assessment 5:16 and Mann T (1996) Clinical Guidelines: Using Clinical Guidelines to Improve Patient Care Within the NHS. London: Department of Health.