Table 2

Explanation of the terminology used in BTS recommendations

StrengthBenefits and risksImplications
Strong
Recommended, so “offer”
Benefits appear to outweigh the risks (or vice versa) for the majority of the target groupMost service users would want to, or should receive this intervention
Conditional
Suggested, so “consider”
Risks and benefits are more closely balanced, or there is more uncertainty in likely service users’ values and preferencesService users should be supported to arrive at a decision based on their values and preferences