Table 4. AGREE II Critical appraisal - individual domains. N = 86 Table 4. AGREE II Critical appraisal - individual domains. N = 86
Variables Scores
Scope and Purpose, median (min – max)
1.       The overall objective(s) of the guideline is (are) specifically described. 3 (2 – 5)
2.       The health question(s) covered by the guideline is (are) specifically described. 2 (2 – 5)
3.       The population (patients, public, etc.) to whom the guideline is meant to apply is specifically described. 2 (2 – 6)
Stakeholder involvement, median (min – max)
4.       The guideline development group includes individuals from all relevant professional groups. 3 (2 – 5)
5.       The views and preferences of the target population (patients, public, etc.) have been sought. 1
6.       The target users of the guideline are clearly defined. 3 (2 – 6)
Rigor of development, median (min – max)
7.       Systematic methods were used to search for evidence. 2 (2 – 4)
8.       The criteria for selecting the evidence are clearly described. 2 (2 - 3)
9.       The strengths and limitations of the body of evidence are clearly described. 2 (2 – 3)
10.   The methods for formulating the recommendations are clearly described. 1
11.   The health benefits, side effects, and risks have been considered in formulating the recommendations. 2 (1 – 4)
12.   There is an explicit link between the recommendations and the supporting evidence. 3 (2 – 4)
13.   The guideline has been externally reviewed by experts prior to its publication. 2 (1 – 3)
14.   A procedure for updating the guideline is provided. 2 (2 – 5)
Clarity of presentation, median (min – max)
15.   The recommendations are specific and unambiguous. 3 (2 – 5)
16.   The different options for management of the condition or health issue are clearly presented. 2 (2 – 5)
17.   Key recommendations are easily identifiable. 3 (2 – 7)
Applicability, median (min – max)
18.   The guideline describes facilitators and barriers to its application. 2 (1 – 4)
19.   The guideline provides advice and/or tools on how the recommendations can be put into practice. 3 (2 – 4)
20.   The potential resource implications of applying the recommendations have been considered. 2 (2 – 3)
21.   The guideline presents monitoring and/or auditing criteria. 2 (1 – 5)
Editorial independence, median (min – max)
22.   The views of the funding body have not influenced the content of the guideline. 2 (2 – 4)
23.   Competing interests of guideline development group members have been recorded and addressed. 2 (2 - 4)
Overall Assessment, median (min – max) 2 (2 – 4)