Table 2 AGREE II instrument

DOMAIN 1. SCOPE AND PURPOSE

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

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. RIGOR OF DEVELOPMENT

7

Systematic methods were used to search for evidence

8

The criteria for selecting the evidence are clearly described

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

DOMAIN 4. CLARITY OF PRESENTATION

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

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

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 GUIDELINE ASSESSMENT

1

Rate the overall quality of this guideline

2

I would recommend this guideline for use