What is a top layer
The top layer format is specially adapted for use in the guidelines that follow GRADE method.
The top layer consists of:
• Recommendation: Written in a structured and active language.
• Strength of recommendation: Provided with color codes and explaining text.
• Key information: short summaries on the four factors from GRADE when moving from evidence to recommendations: the balance between benefits and harms, quality of evidence, preferences and values and resource considerations.
• Rationale: The trade-off made between the various key factors leading to the current direction and strength of recommendation.
In addition to this there each recommendation related:
• Documentation: relevant results tables (Summary of Findings tables)
• Practical information about the treatments and tools for risk stratification.
• Adaptation: For modified recommendations provides a description of the change and its rationale under a separate category called "adaptation".
• "Decision aids": this is under development and not an integral part of the policy yet.
