Knowledge Key:

Advantages of prospect process

1. Procedure-specific recommendations take into consideration the differences in character, location and severity of pain associated with different surgical procedures

2. Evidence from a systematic review is supplemented with transferable evidence and expert knowledge from a Working Group of surgeons and anaesthesiologists

3. Consensus recommendations are formulated by the prospect Working Group, using established methods for group decision-making (Delphi method, Nominal Group Process)

4. Recommendations are graded to indicate the strength of recommendations (A–D)

5. Recommendations are provided with an explanation of the evidence on which they are based, including the level (LoE 1–4) and source of evidence (procedure-specific or transferable)

6. All evidence from the systematic review, as well as transferable evidence, is summarised and abstracts of all references are provided

7. Studies included in the reviews are assessed and assigned a level of evidence: study design, quality, consistency and directness are taken into consideration

8. Procedure-specific evidence, transferable evidence and clinical practice information (expert opinion) are clearly separated

9. Benefits and harms of different interventions are indicated with a system of ticks and crosses, and the balance of benefits and harms is considered in formulating the recommendations

10. Evidence and recommendations are freely accessible on the Internet at www.postoppain.org