From: A systematic review on the use of topical hemostats in trauma and emergency surgery
1A. Strong recommendation, high-quality evidence | Benefits clearly outweigh risks and burdens, or vice versa | RCTs without important limitations or overwhelming evidence from observational studies | Strong recommendation, applies to most patients in most circumstances without reservation |
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1B. Strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence | Benefits clearly outweigh risk and burdens, or vice versa | RCTs with important limitations (inconsistent results, methodological flaws, indirect analyses or imprecise conclusions) or exceptionally strong evidence from observational studies | Strong recommendation, applies to most patients in most circumstances without reservation |
1C. Strong recommendation, low-quality or very low-quality evidence | Benefits clearly outweigh risk and burdens, and vice versa | Observational studies or case series | Strong recommendation but subject to change when higher-quality evidence becomes available |
2A. Weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence | Benefits closely balanced with risks and burdens | RCTs without important limitations or overwhelming evidence from observational studies | Weak recommendation, best action may differ depending on the patient, treatment circumstances, or social values |
2B. Weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence | Benefits closely balanced with risks and burdens | RCTs with important limitations (inconsistent results, methodological flaws, indirect analyses or imprecise conclusions) or exceptionally strong evidence from observational studies | Weak recommendation, best action may differ depending on the patient, treatment circumstances, or social values |
2C. Weak recommendation, low-quality or very low-quality evidence | Uncertainty in the estimates of benefits, risks, and burdens; benefits, risks, and burdens may be closely balanced | Observational studies or case series | Very weak recommendation, alternative treatments may be equally reasonable and merit consideration |