An assessment of how good an indication research effect evidence provides of the likely effect of a treatment; i.e. the likelihood that the actual effect will not be substantially different from what the research found

If the guideline development group or panel is not very confident of the balance between desirable and undesirable consequences for the intended use of the recommendation, they offer a conditional (also called weak) recommendation. This may occur when the certainty of evidence is very low or low, if values and preferences, cost, equity, acceptability, feasibility and other factors may depend on the setting where the intervention or option is implemented or are variable or uncertain.

Recommendations for how healthcare providers should provide care.

A person’s level of wellness and illness, taking into account physical or mental condition.

The research provides a very good indication of the likely effect of a treatment. The likelihood that the actual effect will be substantially different from this is low.

The research provides some indication of the likely effect. However, the likelihood that the actual effect will be substantially different is high.

The research provides a good indication of the likely effect of a treatment. The likelihood that the actual effect of the treatment will not be substantially different is moderate.

In treatment comparisons, a good or bad event or development that can happen after a treatment, and is measurable in studies.

Something that makes a disease or medical condition more likely, e.g. smoking, weight, medical history.

Recommendations that have larger benefits or more pros than cons. Most people in this situation would want the recommended treatment or intervention, and only a small group would not.

The research does not provide a reliable indication of the likely effect. The likelihood that the actual effect will be substantially different is very high.

Medications that suppress, delay, or prevent blood clots. Anticoagulants are commonly referred to as “blood thinners.”

Medicine that prevents blood cells, called platelets, from clustering and forming blood clots. An example is aspirin.

The problem that results when the blood does not clot properly.

Stockings made of strong elastic gently squeeze your calf and leg to increase blood flow.

computerized series of X-rays (computerized axial tomography).

This refers to the state of being dead. It does not refer to the process of dying or events that precede it (e.g., a pulmonary embolism (PE), the breathlessness related to it or the pain one may feel from a VTE).

A type of blood clot that forms in a major vein of the leg or, less commonly, in the arms, pelvis, or other large veins in the body.

Newer anticoagulants or blood thinners, that are taken by mouth. Examples of brand name DOACs are Eliquis, Pradaxa, Savaysa, and Xarelto. Regular blood testing to monitor drug levels is not needed when taking DOACs.

A form of heparin (blood thinner) that is injected right below the skin. Examples of brand name LMWHs are Fragmin, Lovenox, and Innohep.

Bleeding with very large amounts of blood loss; e.g., vomit blood, blood with stools, blood from a wound, or internal bleeding.

A blood clot that happened because of a known trigger or event, such as major surgery, hospital admission, long flights, pregnancy or hormone use.

A dangerous situation when a clot in a vein breaks off from the blood vessel in which it formed and travels through the heart to the lungs where it becomes stuck, preventing adequate blood flow.

Something that has already happened happens again.

A blood clot that just happens out of the blue, either because of genetic factors or unknown events.

A clot that forms within a vein and may obstruct the flow of blood.

A blood thinner which works by slowing vitamin K, which your body needs to form clots. An example is warfarin. The brand names are Coumadin and Jantoven. Taking VKAs requires the patient to have regular blood testing to monitor drug levels.

An imaging test that uses small amounts of radiation to produce pictures in parts of the body.