Table 6 Strength of recommendation

Recommendations can be either STRONG or WEAK

 Strength of recommendation is determined by

  1. Quality of evidence

   The higher the quality of evidence, the higher the likelihood that a Strong recommendation is warranted

  2. Balance between desirable and undesirable effects

   The larger the difference between the desirable and undesirable effects, the higher the likelihood that a Strong recommendation is warranted

  3. Values and Preferences

   The more values and preferences vary, or the greater the uncertainty in values and preferences, the higher the likelihood that a Weak recommendation is warranted

  4. Costs (resource allocation)

   The higher the costs of an intervention—that is, the greater the resources consumed—the lower the likelihood that a Strong recommendation is warranted