Table 4 GItool features considered desirable by the international guideline community

1. Tool objectives are stated

The purpose of the tool is described including intent, use and desired impact or outcome

2. Target users are named

Individuals or groups meant to implement and/or apply the tool are identified

3. Instructions on tool use are provided

Detailed instructions are provided for how to implement and use the tool

4. Methods used to develop the tool are described

Methods used to develop the tool are clearly described, including the process and those involved

5. Tool is based on a comprehensive search of sources for content

A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to inform and assemble tool content and format

6. Evidence upon which tool content is based is described

Quantity and quality of evidence upon which tool content and format is based is described

7. Sources of evidence are cited

Sources are cited for evidence upon which tool content and format are based

8. Context or setting in which tool was developed/will be used are described

Details of the context or setting in which the tool was developed or is meant to be used are described

9. Target users were involved in tool development

Target users were consulted by survey, interview, focus group or as planning committee members

10. Methods used to evaluate the tool are described

Methods used to evaluate the content, format, use and/or impact of the tool are described

11. The tool was pilot-tested with users

The tool was pilot-tested with users and refined based on their input before broad implementation

12. User feedback about tool use and impact is prospectively collected

A mechanism was established to prospectively gather feedback from users about use and impact