Assessing indirectness involves a careful consideration of the PICO framework. Researchers and clinicians should evaluate the following aspects:
Population: Are the study participants similar to the target population in terms of demographics, baseline characteristics, and disease severity? Intervention: Is the intervention used in the study the same as the one of interest, including factors like dosage, duration, and delivery method? Comparator: Does the study use a relevant comparator that reflects the current standard of care or the alternative intervention being considered? Outcomes: Are the outcomes measured in the study directly relevant to the clinical question, and do they capture meaningful health benefits or harms?
