Domain structure for guideline quality obtained from principal components analysis, mean (SD) values of domain scores, and percentage of variance explained by each domain (item numbers represent the order in the instrument)
| Coefficient* | |
|---|---|
| *Coefficients from varimax rotated factor matrix. | |
| Domain 1: Scope and purpose | |
| Mean percentage domain score = 69.3; SD = 21.3; range 16.7–97.2; % variance = 4.6 | |
| 1. The overall objective(s) of the guideline is (are) specifically described | 0.594 |
| 2. The clinical question(s) covered by the guideline is (are) specifically described | 0.768 |
| 3. The patients to whom the guideline is meant to apply are specifically described | 0.702 |
| Domain 2: Stakeholder involvement | |
| Mean percentage domain score = 36.1; SD = 18.9; range 4.2–68.7; % variance = 6.6 | |
| 4. The guideline development group includes individuals from all the relevant professional groups | 0.643 |
| 5. The patients’ views and preferences have been sought | 0.580 |
| 6. The target users of the guideline are clearly defined | 0.683 |
| 7. The guideline has been piloted among end users | 0.471 |
| Domain 3: Rigour of development | |
| Mean percentage domain score = 40.7; SD = 25.0; range 0–89.3; % variance = 42.3 | |
| 8. The systematic methods were used to search for evidence | 0.794 |
| 9. The criteria for selecting the evidence are clearly described | 0.763 |
| 10. The methods used for formulating the recommendations are clearly described | 0.750 |
| 11. The health benefits, side effects and risks have been considered in formulating the recommendations | 0.689 |
| 12. There is an explicit link between the recommendations and the supporting evidence | 0.753 |
| 13. The guideline has been externally reviewed by experts prior to its publication | 0.589 |
| 14. A procedure for updating the guideline is provided | 0.619 |
| Domain 4: Clarity and presentation | |
| Mean percentage domain score = 65.8; SD = 14.1; range 37.5–91.7; % variance = 8.6 | |
| 15. The recommendations are specific and unambiguous | 0.716 |
| 16. The different options for management of the condition are clearly presented | 0.589 |
| 17. Key recommendations are easily identifiable | 0.739 |
| 18. The guideline is supported with tools for application | 0.640 |
| Domain 5: Applicability | |
| Mean percentage domain score = 36.9; SD = 23.2; range 0–91.7; % variance = 6.1 | |
| 19. The potential organisational barriers in applying the recommendations have been discussed | 0.804 |
| 20. The potential cost implications of applying the recommendations have been considered | 0.697 |
| 21. The guideline presents key review criteria for monitoring and/or audit purposes | 0.684 |
| Domain 6: Editorial independence | |
| Mean percentage domain score 30.3; SD = 22.4; range 0–72.2 | |
| 22. The guideline is editorially independent from the funding body | |
| 23. Conflicts of interest of guideline development members have been recorded | New item |