Table 1:

Comparison of original AGREE and AGREE II

Original AGREE Item	AGREE II Item
Domain 1: Scope and purpose
The overall objective(s) of the guideline is (are) specifically described.	No change
The clinical question(s) covered by the guideline is (are) specifically described.	The health question(s) covered by the guideline is (are) specifically described.
The patients to whom the guideline is meant to apply are specifically described.	The population (patients, public, etc.) to whom the guideline is meant to apply is specifically described.
Domain 2: Stakeholder involvement
The guideline development group includes individuals from all the relevant professional groups.	No change
The patients’ views and preferences have been sought.	The views and preferences of the target population (patients, public, etc.) have been sought.
The target users of the guideline are clearly defined.	No change
The guideline has been piloted among end users.	Deleted and incorporated into description of item 19 in user guide
Domain 3: Rigour of development
Systematic methods were used to search for evidence.	No change in item; renumbered to 7
The criteria for selecting the evidence are clearly described.	No change in item; renumbered to 8
	New item (9) added: The strengths and limitations of the body of evidence are clearly described.
The methods for formulating the recommendations are clearly described.	No change
The health benefits, side effects and risks have been considered in formulating the recommendations.	No change
There is an explicit link between the recommendations and the supporting evidence.	No change
The guideline has been externally reviewed by experts prior to its publication.	No change
A procedure for updating the guideline is provided.	No change
Domain 4: Clarity of presentation
The recommendations are specific and unambiguous.	No change
The different options for management of the condition are clearly presented.	The different options for management of the condition or health issue are clearly presented.
Key recommendations are easily identifiable.	No change
Domain 5: Applicability
The guideline is supported with tools for application.	The guideline provides advice or tools on how the recommendations can be put into practice. Change in domain (from Clarity of presentation) Renumbered to 19
The potential organizational barriers in applying the recommendations have been discussed.	The guideline describes facilitators of and barriers to its application. Change in order (renumbered to 18)
The potential cost implications of applying the recommendations have been considered.	The potential resource implications of applying the recommendations have been considered.
The guideline presents key review criteria for monitoring or audit purposes.	The guideline presents monitoring or auditing criteria.
Domain 6: Editorial independence
The guideline is editorially independent from the funding body.	The views of the funding body have not influenced the content of the guideline.
Conflicts of interest of members of the guideline development group have been recorded.	Competing interests of members of the guideline development group have been recorded and addressed.