Production and quality of clinical practice guidelines in Argentina (1994–2004): a cross-sectional study
2008

Quality of Clinical Practice Guidelines in Argentina (1994–2004)

Sample size: 101 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Esandi María Eugenia, Ortiz Zulma, Chapman Evelina, Dieguez Marcelo García, Mejía Raúl, Bernztein Ricardo

Primary Institution: Instituto de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas, Academia Nacional de Medicina, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Hypothesis

To describe guideline production in Argentina and assess their quality using the AGREE instrument.

Conclusion

Guideline development in Argentina increased from 1994 to 2004, but the quality of reporting did not improve and in some aspects declined.

Supporting Evidence

  • 431 potential clinical practice guidelines were identified, but only 144 met the inclusion criteria.
  • Only 22 guidelines were recommended with modifications by both appraisers.
  • Over 80% of the assessed guidelines scored lower than 50% in quality domains.

Takeaway

This study looked at how many health guidelines were made in Argentina and found that while more were created over time, they weren't getting better.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study assessed clinical practice guidelines using the AGREE instrument.

Potential Biases

Potential biases in guideline development were not adequately addressed, affecting the validity of recommendations.

Limitations

The study only included guidelines that were publicly available and may not represent all guidelines produced.

Participant Demographics

30 health professionals participated in the assessment phase.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1748-5908-3-43

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