Number needed to treat (NNT).

Cordell, W H · Ann Emerg Med · 1999

review · Level V

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Abstract

Because decisions regarding therapy are so common in clinical practice, the application of number needed to treat (NNT) is one of the most important evidence-based medicine skills to be acquired. NNT provides a clinically useful "yardstick" of the effort required to have a beneficial outcome or prevent a bad outcome with a therapy. A brief overview of the concept, derivation, and application of NNT is presented.

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