How to use the GRADE approach to assess, interpret and present evidence

Article type
Authors
Santesso N1, Brozek J2, Brignardello-Petersen R2, Schunemann H3
1Cochrane Canada, GRADEing Methods Group, McMaster University
2McMaster University
3Cochrane Canada, McMaster University
Abstract
Background: authors of systematic reviews should present the results of their reviews, including the effect on each outcome and how certain they are. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) is an approach to assess the certainty of evidence, interpret the results, and draw conclusions. The effects and the certainty of the evidence are presented in the text of the review and in a 'Summary of findings' table.

Objectives: to learn to use GRADE to assess evidence and interpret and present findings of systematic reviews.

Description: this workshop briefly describes the GRADE domains to assess the evidence (risk of bias, indirectness, imprecision, inconsistency, publication bias and others) and the process for creating a 'Summary of findings' table (choosing outcomes and comparisons; grading the evidence; and presenting effects in user-friendly numbers). Participants will use an example from a systematic review and GRADE the evidence, write the results, start a 'Summary of findings' table, and write explanations for their assessment.