->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I would add that there are a number of systems out there that provide a
way to rank levels of evidence/grades of recommendation - which makes
things hard for us sometimes. Although rather complicated and perhaps
loosing something in user friendliness the CEBM at Oxford (Olive & Co)
presented a system which may assist in addressing your question. See
http://www.cebm.net/levels_of_evidence.asp, perhaps level 2a or 3a fit
(depending on the design of the observational studies).
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<,
Of course some would suggest that a more robust system of classification
is the SORT criteria, which takes into account both validity AND, very
importantly, relevance:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20040201/548.html
Comments?
Cheers (8(|)
Jonathan
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Jonathan Underhill MRPharmS
Assistant Director, Education and Development
National Prescribing Centre
The Infirmary
70 Pembroke Place
Liverpool
L69 3GF
Tel: 0151-794-8143
Fax: 0151-794-8067
Mobile: 07968 851325
email: [log in to unmask]
website: www.npc.co.uk
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