Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this paper is to provide detailed guidance on how to incorporate health
equity within the GRADE (Grading Recommendations Assessment and Development Evidence)
evidence to decision process.
Study Design and Setting
We developed this guidance based on the GRADE evidence to decision framework, iteratively
reviewing and modifying draft documents, in person discussion of project group members
and input from other GRADE members.
Results
Considering the impact on health equity may be required, both in general guidelines
and guidelines that focus on disadvantaged populations. We suggest two approaches
to incorporate equity considerations: (1) assessing the potential impact of interventions
on equity and (2) incorporating equity considerations when judging or weighing each
of the evidence to decision criteria. We provide guidance and include illustrative
examples.
Conclusion
Guideline panels should consider the impact of recommendations on health equity with
attention to remote and underserviced settings and disadvantaged populations. Guideline
panels may wish to incorporate equity judgments across the evidence to decision framework.
This is the fourth and final paper in a series about considering equity in the GRADE
guideline development process. This series is coming from the GRADE equity subgroup.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 09, 2017
Accepted:
August 3,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
