Table 4.
Overall ratings of the usefulness of AGREE items
| Domain | Items in domain | Overall rating of usefulness, score from 1–7, mean (SD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Item | Domain | ||
| Scope and purpose | The overall objective(s) of the guideline is (are) specifically described | 6.22 (0.96) | 6.32 (0.73) |
| The clinical question(s) covered by the guideline is (are) specifically described | 6.25 (1.00) | ||
| The patients to whom the guideline is meant to apply are specifically described | 6.49 (0.80) | ||
| Stakeholder involvement | The guideline development group includes individuals from all relevant professional groups | 6.05 (0.94) | 5.41 (1.02) |
| The patients’ views and preferences have been sought | 4.92 (1.56) | ||
| The target users of the guideline are clearly defined | 5.86 (1.14) | ||
| The guideline has been piloted among end users | 4.82 (1.74) | ||
| Rigour of development | Systematic methods were used to search for evidence | 6.48 (0.89) | 6.05 (0.73) |
| The criteria for selecting the evidence are clearly described | 6.14 (1.06) | ||
| The methods for formulating the recommendations are clearly described | 6.12 (1.14) | ||
| The health-related benefits, side effects and risks have been considered in formulating the recommendations | 6.37 (0.95) | ||
| There is an explicit link between the recommendations and the supporting evidence | 6.53 (0.69) | ||
| The guideline has been externally reviewed by experts prior to its publication | 5.92 (1.12) | ||
| A procedure for updating the guideline is provided | 4.80 (1.63) | ||
| Clarity of presentation | The recommendations are specific and unambiguous | 6.41 (0.70) | 5.98 (0.76) |
| The different options for management of the condition are clearly presented | 6.00 (1.02) | ||
| Key recommendations are easily identifiable | 6.35 (0.88) | ||
| The guideline is supported with tools for application | 5.14 (1.58) | ||
| Applicability | The potential organizational barriers in applying the recommendations have been discussed | 4.81 (1.56) | 4.98 (1.36) |
| The potential cost-related implications of applying the recommendations have been considered | 5.11 (1.53) | ||
| The guideline presents key review criteria for monitoring and/or audit purposes | 5.01 (1.50) | ||
| Editorial independence | The guideline is editorially independent from the funding body | 5.77 (1.45) | 5.76 (1.36) |
| Conflicts of interest of members of the guideline development group have been recorded | 5.75 (1.50) | ||