Table 1 Domains and Items of the AGREE II

Domain 1. Scope and Purpose

 Item 1. The overall objective(s) of the guideline is (are) specifically described.

 Item 2. The health question(s) covered by the guideline is (are) specifically described.

 Item 3. The population (patients, public, etc.) to whom the guideline is meant to apply is specifically described.

Domain 2. Stakeholder Involvement

 Item 4. The guideline development group includes individuals from all relevant professional groups.

 Item 5. The views and preferences of the target population (patients, public, etc.) have been sought.

 Item 6. The target users of the guideline are clearly defined.

Domain 3. Rigour of Development

 Item 7. Systematic methods were used to search for evidence.

 Item 8. The criteria for selecting the evidence are clearly described.

 Item 9. The strengths and limitations of the body of evidence are clearly described.

 Item 10. The methods for formulating the recommendations are clearly described.

 Item 11. The health benefits, side effects, and risks have been considered in formulating the recommendations.

 Item 12. There is an explicit link between the recommendations and the supporting evidence.

 Item 13. The guideline has been externally reviewed by experts prior to its publication.

 Item 14. A procedure for updating the guideline is provided.

Domain 4. Clarity of Presentation

 Item 15. The recommendations are specific and unambiguous.

 Item 16. The different options for management of the condition or health issue are clearly presented.

 Item 17. Key recommendations are easily identifiable.

Domain 5. Applicability

 Item 18. The guideline describes facilitators and barriers to its application.

 Item 19. The guideline provides advice and/or tools on how the recommendations can be put into practice.

 Item 20. The potential resource implications of applying the recommendations have been considered.

 Item 21. The guideline presents monitoring and/or auditing criteria.

Domain 6. Editorial Independence

 Item 22. The views of the funding body have not influenced the content of the guideline.

 Item 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.