Table 5.1.5 Classification of recommendations
| Class | 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 | |
| • Evidence drawn from a NICE technology appraisal. | |
| 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 | |
| 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−, or | |
| • Formal consensus | |
| D (G) | • A body of evidence from guidelines published by clinical groups (for example, NICE, BSG, AUGIS). |