Table 1 Domains covered by the AGREE II quality appraisal tool (AGREE II)

Domain 1.

Scope and purpose

The overall aim of the guideline, the specific health questions, and the target population

1. The overall objective(s) of the guideline is (are) specifically described

2. The health question(s) covered by the guideline is (are) specifically described

3. The population (patients, public, etc.) to whom the guideline is meant to apply is specifically described

Domain 2. Stakeholder Involvement

Focuses on the extent to which the guideline was developed by the appropriate stakeholders and represents the views of its intended users

4. The guideline development group includes individuals from all relevant professional groups

5. The views and preferences of the target population (patients, public, etc.) have been sought.

6. The target users of the guideline are clearly defined

Domain 3. Rigour of Development

Relates to the process used to gather and synthesise the evidence, the methods to formulate the recommendations, and to update them

7. Systematic methods were used to search for evidence

8. The criteria for selecting the evidence are clearly described

9. The strengths and limitations of the body of evidence are clearly described

10. The methods for formulating the recommendations are clearly described

11. The health benefits, side effects, and risks have been considered in formulating the recommendations

12. There is an explicit link between the recommendations and the supporting evidence

13. The guideline has been externally reviewed by experts prior to its publication

14. A procedure for updating the guideline is provided

Domain 4.

Clarity of Presentation

Deals with the language, structure, and format of the guideline

15. The recommendations are specific and unambiguous

16. The different options for management of the condition or health issue are clearly presented

17. Key recommendations are easily identifiable

Domain 5. Applicability

Pertains to the likely barriers and facilitators to implementation, strategies to improve uptake, and resource implications of applying the guideline

18. The guideline describes facilitators and barriers to its application

19. The guideline provides advice and/or tools on how the recommendations can be put into practice

20. The potential resource implications of applying the recommendations have been considered

21. The guideline presents monitoring and/or auditing criteria

Domain 6. Editorial Independence

Concerned with the formulation of recommendations not being unduly biased with competing interests

22. The views of the funding body have not influenced the content of the guideline

23. Competing interests of guideline development group members have been recorded and addressed

Overall assessment

Includes the rating of the overall quality of the guideline and whether the guideline would be recommended for use in practice.

Would you recommend this guideline for use in practice?