Table 2.
Quality of the included clinical practice guidelines, using the AGREE-II tool (domain 3: rigor of development).
| Items | ACR | AEP | NIH | SSICM and PIGS | NHMRC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Systematic methods were used to search for evidence. | 33% | 100% | 17% | 0% | 92% |
| 2. The criteria for selecting the evidence are clearly described. | 50% | 100% | 42% | 0% | 83% |
| 3. The strengths and limitations of the body of evidence are clearly described. | 0% | 100% | 33% | 0% | 33% |
| 4 The methods for formulating the recommendations are clearly described. | 100% | 100% | 50% | 92% | 100% |
| 5. The health benefits, side effects, and risks have been considered in formulating the recommendations. | 50% | 100% | 50% | 0% | 67% |
| 6. There is an explicit link between the recommendations and the supporting evidence. | 83% | 100% | 67% | 58% | 100% |
| 7. The guideline has been externally reviewed by experts prior to its publication. | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 100% |
| 8. A procedure for updating the guideline is provided. | 100% | 100% | 92% | 50% | 100% |
| Overall | 52% | 88% | 44% | 25% | 84% |