Consensus statements: when and how?

Murray, Iain R; Makaram, Navnit S; LaPrade, Robert F; Haddad, Fares S · Bone Joint J · 2023

expert_opinion · Level V

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Abstract

<i>The Bone & Joint Journal</i> has published several consensus statements in recent years, many of which have positively influenced clinical practice and policy.<sup>1-13</sup> However, even the most valued consensus statements have limitations, and all ultimately represent Level V evidence. Consensus studies add greatest value where higher-order evidence to aid decision making is ambiguous or lacking. In all settings, care must be taken to critically appraise standards of methodology, with particular attention to potential biases that may influence the conclusions which are drawn.

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