The tool quantifies the potential for adverse events associated with a particular intervention. It estimates how many individuals need to be exposed to a risk factor or treatment for one additional person to experience a harmful outcome, compared to a control group. For instance, if a specific medication results in one additional case of a side effect for every 50 patients treated, the calculation indicates that 50 individuals are required to be treated for one to experience that adverse effect.
This calculation is a crucial metric in evidence-based medicine and public health. It allows for a more nuanced understanding of treatment risks beyond relative risk. By providing an absolute measure of harm, it facilitates informed decision-making by clinicians, patients, and policymakers. Its consideration has increased over time as healthcare professionals strive to balance potential benefits against potential detriments when selecting treatment options.
