Evidence-Based Guideline Development Process
Appraising Guidelines
Adapted from the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE) Instrument for Evaluating Guidelines.
As the draft document is being planned and developed, the following criteria should be considered:
Scope and Purpose
- The overall objective(s) of the guideline is (are) specifically described
- The clinical questions covered by the guideline are specifically described
- The patients to whom the guideline is meant to apply are specifically described
Stakeholder Involvement
- The guideline development group includes individuals from relevant professional groups
- The patient’s views and preferences have been considered
- The target users of the guideline are clearly defined
Rigor of Development
- Systematic methods were used to search for evidence
- The criteria for selecting the evidence are clearly defined
- The methods used for forming the recommendations are clearly described
- The health benefits and risks have been considered in forming recommendations
- There is an explicit link between recommendations and supporting evidence
- Prior to publication, experts reviewed the guideline
Clarity and Presentation
- The recommendations are specific and unambiguous
- Management options are clearly presented
- Key recommendations are easily identifiable
Applicability
- The potential barriers in applying the recommendations, including cost implications, have been discussed
Editorial Independence
- The guideline is editorially independent from any funding body
- Conflicts of interest of guideline development members have been recorded
Guideline Ranking & Disclaimer
Rank | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1 | This guideline is new and represents the best available evidence at this time. It will be reviewed on an annual basis to determine if it remains current. |
| 2 | This guideline is reviewed on an annual basis and there have been new studies published since the guideline was developed. However, the Health and Science Policy (HSP) Committee determined that these studies are not sufficient to warrant changing the guideline at this time. The information contained in this guideline provides the user with the best evidence available at the time the guideline was published. Readers are encouraged to search the current literature as a supplement to using this guideline. |
| 3 | This guideline is reviewed on an annual basis. The HSP Committee determined that new studies have been published that warrant an update of the (fill in) chapter/section of this practice guideline. The HSP Committee also determined that the remainder of the chapters/sections does not require updating and these recommendations remain current. |
| 4 | This guideline is reviewed on an annual basis. The HSP Committee determined that new data are available that are sufficient to potentially change guideline recommendations and a full revision is warranted. |
| 5 | This guideline has been reviewed on an annual basis. The HSP Committee has decided it is outdated; however, it has been retained for historical and/or educational purposes. These guidelines should be used with caution for clinical decision-making purposes. |
The evidence-based practice guidelines published by The American College of Chest Physicians (“ACCP”) incorporate data obtained from a comprehensive literature review of the most recent studies available at the time of publication. Guidelines are intended for general information only, are not medical advice, and do not replace professional medical care and physician advice, which always should be sought for any specific condition. Furthermore, guidelines may not be complete or accurate because new studies that may have become available late in the process of guideline development may not be incorporated into any particular guideline before it is disseminated. ACCP and its officers, regents, governors, executive committee, members and employees (the “ACCP Parties”) disclaim all liability for the accuracy or completeness of a guideline, and disclaim all warranties, express or implied. Guideline users always are urged to seek out newer information that might impact the diagnostic and treatment recommendations contained within a guideline. The ACCP Parties further disclaim all liability for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages) arising out of the use, inability to use, or the results of use of a guideline, any references used in a guideline, or the materials, information, or procedures contained in a guideline, based on any legal theory whatsoever and whether or not there was advice of the possibility of such damages.
