Simplifying the concept of level of evidence in lay language for all aspects of learners: In brief review

• Published in: Intelligent Pharmacy Vol. 2; no. 2; pp. 270 - 273
• Main Authors: Al Noman, Abdullah, Sarkar, Onusree, Mita, Tanzia Mohsin, Siddika, Khadiza, Afrose, Fahmida
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.04.2024
• Subjects: Bias; Evidence pyramid; Evidence-based practice; Randomized controlled trial; Systematic review; Systematic review; Randomized controlled trial; Bias; Evidence pyramid; Evidence-based practice
• ISSN: 2949-866X; 2949-866X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ipha.2023.11.002

The level of evidence is a fundamental structure for assessing the excellence of evidence while making healthcare choices. It assesses medical research according to its structure, credibility, and relevance. The different degrees of proof are frequently represented as a triangle shape, with the most powerful proof on the highest point. The pyramid is divided into two primary parts: refined data (systematic reviews, meta-analyses) that combines information from multiple studies, and raw data (randomized trials, cohort studies, case series) that consists of original research. Systematic evaluations condense results from various investigations on a subject using thorough, replicable approaches. Meta-analyses mathematically integrate information from similar research studies. Case studies provide information about a specific patient. Case-control studies examine the occurrences in separate groups of people who have a particular illness and those who do not. Randomly assigned intervention and control groups are compared in randomized controlled experiments to observe the differences in their outcomes. Cohort studies track groups over a period to investigate connections between factors and results. The upper levels of the pyramid are typically seen as more trustworthy proof because of thorough combination or research structure. However, every level provides valuable information. Recognizing the positive aspects of various research methods enables individuals to assess the credibility of information when making choices related to healthcare. •The evidence pyramid stratifies study designs based on their susceptibility to bias, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses providing the highest quality evidence.•Randomized controlled trials establish causality but can be expensive, unethical, or infeasible.•Observational studies like cohort and case-control analyses establish correlations but lack experimental rigor.•Case reports and expert opinion offer lower quality evidence but generate hypotheses.•There is no rigid hierarchy, as the appropriateness of evidence depends on the clinical context. Clinicians must synthesize the most rigorous evidence tailored to the scenario.