Evaluation of pediatric dentistry guidelines using the AGREE instrument.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Guidelines are used to inform clinical practice and improve the quality of health care. Poorly developed guidelines may emphasize the incorrect intervention. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the quality of pediatric dentistry guidelines using the AGREE instrument. METHODS: A search was carried out to identify pediatric dentistry guidelines up to November 2007. Three independent assessors evaluated the guidelines using the AGREE tool. RESULTS: Fifty-seven guidelines produced by 11 organisations were evaluated. Most guidelines assessed were of poor quality, as determined by the AGREE instrument. CONCLUSIONS: Consideration should be given to using the AGREE instrument in the development of new guidelines and review of existing guidelines.