Table 1 Definitions of modified level of evidence
Level of evidence | Description |
|---|---|
Strong evidence | Pooled results from three or more studies, including a minimum of two high-quality studies which are statistically homogenous (p > 0.05) may be associated with a statistically significant or non-significant pooled result. |
Moderate evidence | Statistically significant pooled results from multiple studies, including at least one high-quality study, which are statistically heterogeneous (p < 0.05); or from multiple low- or moderate-quality studies which are statistically homogenous (p > 0.05); or statistically insignificant pooled results from multiple studies, including at least one high-quality study, which are statistically homogenous (p > 0.05). |
Limited evidence | Results from multiple low- or moderate-quality studies which are statistically heterogeneous (p < 0.05); or from one high-quality study. |
Very limited evidence | Results from one low- or moderate-quality study. |
Conflicting evidence | Pooled results that are insignificant and from multiple studies, regardless of quality, which are statistically heterogeneous (p < 0.05, i.e. inconsistent). |