Document a GRADE evidence profile by recording, for each outcome, the effect estimate, the certainty rating, and the domain-level reasons for any downgrade or upgrade, each tied to study-level citations. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) uses explicit criteria and outcome-level judgements, so the profile should let a panel audit each outcome without re-deriving the reasoning.
- Set up one row per outcome. List the outcomes the panel will judge, then enter the effect estimate for each. Cochrane guidance on interpreting results covers presenting absolute and relative effects with confidence intervals and exact P values, so record the estimate in the form the panel will read.
- Assign the starting certainty and record each domain judgement. For every outcome, state the certainty rating and note which domains drove any downgrade or upgrade, with the reason. GRADE's explicit criteria operate at the outcome level, so the same review can carry different ratings across outcomes.
- Attach study-level citations to each judgement. Link the studies that support the estimate and the reasons given for each domain decision, so a panel member can trace a rating back to its source.
- Finalize the profile for audit. Check that every outcome has an estimate, a certainty rating, and its domain-level reasons with citations before the panel reviews it. A Summary of Findings table format, as described in Cochrane GRADE resources, gives a consistent layout for this outcome-by-outcome record.
What the panel should be able to check
For each outcome, a reviewer should find the estimate, the certainty rating, and the specific domain reasons behind any change, each with citations. That structure lets the panel audit the judgements outcome by outcome and see where a rating rests on a stated reason rather than an unrecorded impression.
Where to look for the criteria
The GRADE Working Group describes the explicit criteria and outcome-level judgements behind certainty ratings and recommendation strength. Cochrane GRADE resources cover rating certainty in systematic reviews and evidence syntheses, including Summary of Findings table guidance and GRADEpro workflows for building the profile.