Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Level IV evidence?

Level IV evidence is characterized predominantly by expert opinions, consensus statements from experts, and clinical guidelines. These sources of evidence typically arise in situations where empirical data from research studies is limited or unavailable. The emphasis is on the insights and professional judgment of experienced practitioners in the field.

In contrast, randomized controlled trials are classified as Level I evidence, which is at the highest level of evidence in research hierarchy. These trials are designed to minimize bias and provide reliable data on the effectiveness of interventions, making them a more robust form of evidence compared to expert opinions or consensus guidelines. Therefore, identifying randomized controlled trials as NOT characteristic of Level IV evidence is accurate, as such trials represent a different and more rigorous level of evidence.