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bioRxiv · 10.1101/442285

Evaluation of the NCCN guidelines using the RIGHT Statement and AGREE II instrument: a cross-sectional review.

Wayant, C.·Cooper, C.·Turner, D.·Vassar, M.
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Abstract

IntroductionRobust, clearly reported clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are essential for evidence-based clinical practice. The Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in HealThcare (RIGHT) statement and Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument were published to improve the methodological and reporting quality in healthcare CPGs.\n\nMethodsWe applied the RIGHT statement checklist and AGREE II instrument to 48 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. Our primary objective was to assess the adherence to RIGHT and AGREE II items. Since neither RIGHT nor AGREE-II can judge the clinical usefulness of a guideline, our study is designed to only focus on the methodological and reporting quality of each guideline.\n\nResultsThe NCCN guidelines demonstrated notable strengths and weaknesses. For example, RIGHT statement items 19 (conflicts of interest), 7b (description of subgroups), and 13a (clear, precise recommendations) were fully reported in all guidelines. However, the guidelines inconsistently incorporated patient values and preferences and cost, nor did they consistently describe the method for assessing the quality and certainty of evidence. Regarding the AGREE II instrument, the NCCN guidelines scored highly on the domains 4 (clear, precise recommendations) and 6 (handling of conflicts of interest), but lowest on domain 2 (inclusion of all relevant stakeholders).\n\nConclusionsIn this investigation we found that NCCN CPGs demonstrate key strengths and weaknesses with respect to the reporting of key items essential to CPGs. We recommend the continued use of NCCN guidelines and adherence to the RIGHT and AGREE II items. Doing so serves to improve the evidence delivered to healthcare providers, thus potentially improving patient care.

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Wayant, C., Cooper, C., Turner, D., Vassar, M.. 2018-10-19. Evaluation of the NCCN guidelines using the RIGHT Statement and AGREE II instrument: a cross-sectional review.. https://doi.org/10.1101/442285

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