Classification of Evidence-Based
Statements
Guidelines are intended to produce optimal health outcomes
for patients, to minimize harm, and to reduce inappropriate
variations in clinical care. The evidence-based approach to
guideline development requires that the evidence supporting
a policy be identified, appraised, and summarized and that an
explicit link between evidence and statements be defined.
Evidence-based statements reflect both the quality of evidence
and the balance of benefit and harm that is anticipated
when the statement is followed. The definitions for evidencebased
statements are listed in Tables 3 and 4.48,49