Explanation of the terminology used in BTS recommendations
| Strength | Benefits and risks | Implications |
| Strong. It is recommended and so ‘offer’ | Benefits appear to outweigh the risks (or vice versa) for the majority of the target group | Most service users would want to or should receive this intervention |
| Conditional. It is suggested and so ‘consider’ | Risks and benefits are more closely balanced, or there is more uncertainty in likely service users values and preferences | The service users should be supported to arrive at a decision based on their values and preferences |
BTS, British Thoracic Society.