Context: As the rate of research production accelerates, the ability to efficiently and unambiguously communicate judgments relating to the synthesis, evaluation, and use of scientific information becomes paramount.
Perspective: Scientific information can be viewed as a "layered infrastructure" of data, evidence, knowledge, and use. The GRADE approach serves as a de facto data standard for this infrastructure, supporting movement between layers by reducing ambiguity in claims to knowledge (in the form of judgements of certainty in the evidence when answering research questions) and level of commitment to possible solutions to problems (in the form of strength of recommendations for interventions).
Purpose: This GRADE concept paper outlines the structure, purpose, and potential benefits of the GRADE Ontology for (a) the creators of, educators in, and users of systematic reviews, health guidelines, and health technology assessments, and (b) the development of tools that help with conducting, finding, and summarising the same. This paper also presents the processes for the development and maintenance of the GRADE Ontology, a formalised terminology standard within GRADE that will support the efficiency, rigour, consistency, and interoperability of GRADE's use.
Plain language summary: The rate of research production is increasing exponentially. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to quickly, efficiently, and [...]