NICE process and methods

Appendix K Examples of evidence tables

Appendix K Examples of evidence tables

Below are examples of the type of information and data NICE requires in table format in evidence reviews. It is not possible to provide a fixed template for all evidence tables that will suit all topics. The range, type, quantity and quality of evidence identified will inevitably vary and these tables are presented as examples only of how information and data should be presented.

Confirming format and content with CPHE early in the review process

It is important that review teams confirm the following with the CPHE project team early in the review process:

  • The presentation of information and data because it may not exactly replicate that required in a systematic review – this is especially important where it is expected that study information may be used to populate the Effective Interventions Library in NICE Pathways.

  • Whether additional analysis should be performed on study data for some interventions where sufficient data is reported by the study authors (see chapter 5). Where additional calculation (e.g. calculating numbers needed to treat, odds ratios, risk ratios) of data is required and feasible, these must be clearly noted as 'calculated by the review team' (see final column in the tables below for examples).

K1 Example of what to include in evidence tables for quantitative studies

Please complete for all headings as requested by CPHE and note where data is 'inadequately reported', 'not reported' or 'not applicable'.

Example of what to include in evidence tables for quantitative studies
Example of what to include in evidence tables for quantitative studies

K2 Example of evidence table for qualitative studies

Example of evidence table for qualitative studies

K3 Example of evidence table for economic evaluation studies

Please complete for all headings and note where data is 'Not reported' or 'Not applicable'.

Example of evidence table for economic evaluation studies

K4 Example of evidence table for review-level material

Example of evidence table for review-level material
Example of evidence table for review-level material

Table footnotes

  1. Please complete for all headings as requested by CPHE and note where data is 'inadequately reported', 'not reported' or 'not applicable'.

  2. Only report the outcomes that are relevant to the outcomes for the guidance topic under consideration. (NB the study may cover additional outcomes that need not be included here).

  3. Only report the results that are relevant for the guidance topic under consideration.

  4. The internal validity score of a study may vary depending on the reliability and validity of the outcome measures of interest.

  5. Demographic criteria as outlined by the PROGRESS-Plus categorisation p93 chapter 5 methods manual. (Gough D, Oliver S, Thomas J [2012] [eds] An introduction to systematic reviews, London: Sage).

  6. Please complete for all headings and note where data is 'Not reported' or 'Not applicable'.

  7. Taken from economic evaluation checklist (appendix I).

  8. Only report outcomes that are relevant to the guidance topic under consideration as confirmed with CPHE (NB the review may cover additional outcomes that need not be included here).