Strength of Recommendation and Quality of Evidence
Category/Grade
Definition
Strength of Recommendation
A
Good evidence to support a recommendation for or against use.
B
Moderate evidence to support a recommendation for or against use.
C
Poor evidence to support a recommendation.
Quality of Evidence
I
Evidence from ≥ 1 properly randomized, controlled trial.
II
Evidence from ≥ 1 well-designed clinical trial, without randomization;
from cohort or case-controlled analytic studies (preferably from > 1
center); from multiple time-series; or from dramatic results from
uncontrolled experiments.
III
Evidence from opinions of respected authorities, based on clinical
experience, descriptive studies, or reports of expert committees.
Source
Yokoe DS, Mermel LA, Anderson DA, et al. A compendium of strategies to prevent
healthcare-associated infections in acute care hospitals. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol.
2008;29(Suppl 1):S12-S21
Abbreviations
CAUTI, catheter-associated urinary tract infection; CDI, Clostridium difficile infection;
CLABSI, central line-associated bloodstream infection; ICU, intensive care unit; MRSA,
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; SSI, surgical site infection; VAP, ventilatorassociated pneumonia
Disclaimer
This Guideline attempts to define principles of practice that should produce high-quality patient care. It focuses on
the needs of primary care practice but also is applicable to providers at all levels.
This Guideline should not be considered exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed at obtaining the same
results. The ultimate judgment concerning the propriety of any course of conduct must be made by the clinician after
consideration of each individual patient situation.
Neither IGC, the medical associations, nor the authors endorse any product or service associated with the distributor
of this clinical reference tool.
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