Absolute difference between group means on the same outcome scale
Mean difference expresses the effect of an intervention as the raw difference in means between groups on the original outcome scale (e.g. RMDQ points), in contrast to a standardised effect size like SMD which is unitless. Its clinical relevance depends on comparing the MD and its confidence interval against a validated minimal clinically important difference for that specific outcome measure.
This guide was auto-drafted and is pending editorial review.