| Scope and purpose |
| 1. The overall objective(s) of the guideline is (are) specifically described. |
| 2. The clinical question(s) covered by the guideline is (are) specifically described |
| 3. The patients to whom the guideline is meant to apply are specifically described |
| |
| Stakeholder involvement |
| 4. The guideline development group includes individuals from all the relevant professional groups |
| 5. The patients' views and preferences have been sought |
| 6. The target users of the guideline are clearly defined |
| 7. The guideline has been piloted among target users |
| |
| Rigour of development |
| 8. Systematic methods were used to search for evidence |
| 9. The criteria for selecting the 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 |
| |
| Clarity and presentation |
| 15. The recommendations are specific and unambiguous |
| 16. The different options for management of the condition are clearly presented |
| 17. Key recommendations are easily identifiable |
| 18. The guideline is supported with tools for application |
| |
| Applicability |
| 19. The potential organisational barriers in applying the recommendations have been discussed |
| 20. The potential cost implications of applying the recommendations have been considered |
| 21. The guidelines present key review criteria for monitoring and/or audit purposes |
| |
| Editorial independence |
| 22. The guideline is editorially independent from the funding body |
| 23. Conflicts of interest of guideline development members have been recorded |
