Expert Consensus Opinion

An expert consensus opinion is a collective judgment, recommendation, or guideline formulated by a group of experts in a particular field when high-quality empirical evidence (such as randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews) is lacking, inconsistent, or insufficient to guide clinical practice.

### Key Characteristics: 1. Based on Expert Judgment – Developed by specialists with extensive experience in the field. 2. Used When Evidence is Limited – Often applied in emerging or niche medical areas where robust data is unavailable. 3. Formal or Informal Methodology – Can be established through Delphi method, panel discussions, or systematic review of available data. 4. Not a Primary Research Study – Does not present new experimental data but synthesizes existing knowledge and expert perspectives. 5. Can Influence Guidelines – Helps in shaping clinical guidelines, policies, and best practices.

### Examples of Expert Consensus Opinions in Medicine: - The American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery’s statement on MRI-guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (MRgLITT) for epilepsy. - Consensus statements on surgical approaches in neurosurgery, oncology, or rare diseases. - Guidelines on ethical issues, surgical indications, or the use of novel medical technologies.

### Distinction from Other Study Types: - Different from Systematic Reviews or Meta-Analyses: Does not follow a strict evidence-based approach with predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. - Different from Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs): Does not test a hypothesis through direct experimentation. - Different from Narrative Reviews: While both summarize knowledge, an expert consensus is typically the official position of a recognized organization or expert panel.

Would you like examples of specific expert consensus documents in neurosurgery or another field?