Table 1 Levels of evidence and grades of the recommendation in EAU Guideline
Level | Type of evidence |
|---|---|
1a | Evidence obtained from meta-analysis of randomized trials |
1b | Evidence obtained from at least one randomized trial |
2a | Evidence obtained from one well-designed controlled study without randomization |
2b | Evidence obtained from at least one other type of well-designed quasi-experimental study |
3 | Evidence obtained from well-designed non-experimental studies, such as comparative studies, correlation studies and case reports |
4 | Evidence obtained from expert committee reports or opinions or clinical experience of respected authorities |
Grade | Nature of recommendation |
|---|---|
Strong recommendation (for/against) | The advantages of interventions obviously outweigh the disadvantages or the disadvantages obviously outweigh the advantages |
Weak recommendation (for/against) | The advantages and disadvantages of interventions are uncertain or the evidence regardless of its quality shows that the advantages and disadvantages are equal |