Table 2.

Strength of recommendations

STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATIONDESCRIPTION
Embedded Image Embedded Image Strongly recommendA strong recommendation is one that can be supported without qualification by family physicians and other health professionals providing primary care. They can be confident that all of the following conditions apply:

  • There are at least 3 types of knowledge supporting a recommendation or at least 2, 1 of which is in a category subtype indicated by a blue full or half circle ( Embedded Image or Embedded Image). This condition is taken to be an indication of the breadth, depth, and special relevance of knowledge

  • There is a greater balance of anticipated medical benefit or positive clinical outcome over risk of harm

  • Most people with IDD and their caregivers would find the intervention to be tolerable

  • The family physician or other primary care provider would typically have the resources (eg, time, materials, training, supports) to engage in the approach or offer the intervention, or would be able to accommodate or advocate for the approach or intervention

  • The approach or intervention is an effective use of resources, taking into consideration factors such as effects on the time, priorities, and out-of-pocket expenses of patients and their caregivers and the limits of the practice or health care system

Embedded Image RecommendThese recommendation have a good basis in current knowledge. Family physicians and other health professionals providing primary care will need more extensive discussion than usual, however, with patients with IDD and caregivers, or consultation with other health professionals, ethicists, or health care administrators before deciding to implement the recommendation
Embedded Image Top picks by cliniciansThese recommendations were selected by 5 clinicians who were section leads (family physicians [I.C., B.H., E.G., K.M.] and a psychiatrist [E.B.]) as the 3 most important per section to promote in any clinical practice or recommendations that pertain to health issues that are most commonly overlooked in patients with IDD

  • IDD—intellectual and developmental disabilities.