Levels of Evidence Supporting Recommendations in Gastroenterology

We aimed to analyze gastrointestinal guidelines to assess the quality of evidence and strength of recommendation.

We abstracted clinical practice guidelines and guidance statements from 4 American gastroenterology societies (American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and American Association for the Study of Liver Disease) and the US Multi-Society Task Force.

Of the 3,609 statements analyzed, only 13% were supported by high level of evidence. The number of statements published annually is increasing, but the level of evidence supporting recommendations is declining over time.

This analysis highlights the need for high quality research in gastroenterology to support the development of stronger evidence-based guideline statements.