Table 5 Evidence Threshold Pathway Mapping
Is the question definitively addressable with RCTs?1 YES if: The outcome of interest would be measurable in < 5 years, subjects can ethically be randomized, a control group is plausible and ethical, blinding is potentially possible, a sample size of < 10,000 would provide adequate statistical power If YES, have RCTs been conducted?  ➔(1) If YES, then use GRADE2  ➔(2) If NO, then use an alternative tool, consider OCEBM3 NO if: A duration > 5 years adherence to the intervention is required, randomization is not plausible or ethical, exposure of interest is the cumulative, lifetime effect of health behaviors.  ➔ (3) Consider HEALM4 |