Table 4 Scores by item of the AGREE instrument
Domains and items of the AGREE instrument | Median value | Interquartile range |
|---|---|---|
Domain 1: Scope and purpose | ||
1. The overall objective(s) of the guideline is (are) specifically described | 1.5 | 1.5 |
2. The clinical question(s) covered by the guideline is (are) specifically described | 2 | 1 |
3. The patients to whom the guideline is meant to apply are specifically described | 2.5 | 1.5 |
Domain 2: Stakeholder involvement | ||
4. The guideline development group includes individuals from all the relevant professional groups | 1.5 | 1 |
5. The patients' views and preferences have been sought | 1 | 0.5 |
6. The target users of the guideline are clearly defined | 1 | 1 |
7. The guideline has been piloted among end users | 1 | 0 |
Domain 3: Rigour of development | ||
8. The systematic methods were used to search for evidence | 1 | 0 |
9. The criteria for selecting the evidence are clearly described | 1 | 0 |
10. The methods used for formulating the recommendations are clearly described | 1.5 | 0.5 |
11. The health benefits, side effects and risks have been considered in formulating the recommendations | 2 | 1 |
12. There is an explicit link between the recommendations and the supporting evidence | 1 | 1 |
13. The guideline has been externally reviewed by experts prior to its publication | 1 | 0.5 |
14. A procedure for updating the guideline is provided | 1 | 0 |
Domain 4: Clarity and presentation | ||
15. The recommendations are specific and unambiguous | 2.5 | 1.5 |
16. The different options for management of the condition are clearly presented | 2.5 | 1.5 |
17. Key recommendations are easily identifiable | 2.5 | 1.5 |
18. The guideline is supported with tools for application | 1 | 0.5 |
Domain 5: Applicability | ||
19. The potential organizational barriers in applying the recommendations have been discussed | 1 | 0.5 |
20. The potential cost implications of applying the recommendations have been considered | 1 | 0 |
21. The guideline presents key review criteria for monitoring and/or audit purposes | 1 | 1 |
Domain 6: Editorial independence | ||
22. The guideline is editorially independent from the funding body | 1 | 0 |
23. Conflicts of interest of guideline development members have been recorded | 1 | 0 |