Table 4 Comparison of questions in AGREE II and iCAHE instruments relevant to domains

AGREE II Domain 1: Scope & Purpose

Q13 Are the purpose and target users of the guideline stated?

Q1. The overall objectives of the guideline are specifically described

Q2. The health questions covered by the guideline are specifically described

Q3. The population to whom the guideline is meant to apply is specifically described

Q6. The target users are clearly defined

AGREE II Domain 2: Stakeholder involvement

Q11. Are the developers clearly stated?

Q4. The guideline development group includes individuals from all relevant professional groups

Q12. Does the qualifications and expertise of the guideline developers link with the purpose of the guideline and its end users?

Q5. The views and preferences of the target population have been sought

Q7. Does the guideline provide an outline of the strategy used to find underlying evidence?

Q7. Systematic methods were used to search for the evidence

Q8. Does the guideline use a hierarchy to rank the quality of the underlying evidence?

Q8. The criteria for selecting the evidence are clearly described

Q9. Does the guideline appraise the quality of the evidence which underpins its recommendations?

Q9. The strengths and limitations of the body of evidence are clearly described

Q10. Does the guideline link the hierarchy and quality of underlying evidence to each recommendation?

Q10. The methods for formulating the recommendations are clearly described

AGREE II Domain 3: Rigour of Development

Q11. The health benefits, side effects and risks have been considered in formulating the recommendations

Q12. There is an explicit link between the recommendations and the supporting evidence

Q13. The guideline has been eternally reviewed by experts prior to its publication

Q14. A procedure for updating the guideline is provided

New iCAHE instrument Domain: Currency

Q4. Is there a date of completion available?

Q5. Does the guideline provide an anticipated review date?

Q6. Does the guideline provide dates for when literature was included?

AGREE II Domain 4: Clarity of Presentation

Q14. Is the guideline readable and easy to navigate?

Q15. The recommendations are specific and unambiguous

Q16. The different options for management of the condition or health issues are clearly presented

Q17. Key recommendations are easily identifiable

AGREE II Domain 5: Applicability

Q18. The guideline describes facilitators and barriers to its application

Q19. The guideline provides advice and/or tools on how the recommendations can be put into practice

Q20. The potential resources implications of applying the recommendations have been considered

Q21. The guideline presents monitoring and/or auditing criteria

AGREE II Domain 6: Editorial Independence

Q22. The views of the funding body have not influenced the content of the guideline

Q23. Competing interests of guideline development group members have been recorded and addressed

New iCAHE instrument Domain: Availability

Q1. Is the guideline readily available in full text?

Q2. Does the guideline provide a complete reference list?

New iCAHE instrument Domain: Summary

Q3. Does the guideline provide a summary of its recommendations?