Every guideline in the SAGE database is rated by several reviewers using a scoring system called the AGREE II instrument. The reviewers assess the strengths and weaknesses of the reporting of each guideline. They use the AGREE tool to determine a guideline's score by evaluating:
• How it was developed
• Who was involved in its development
• How clearly the recommendations are presented
For a guideline to receive high AGREE scores, there has to be a clear link between the proper collection and use of research evidence by qualified professionals and the development of trustworthy recommendations made in the guideline. The higher the AGREE scores, the more confident users can be that the guideline developers used an evidence-based approach to reach their recommendations.
Rating guidelines should help improve the way they are developed. To help their guidelines receive high scores, guideline development teams will strive to develop their guidelines using accepted methods and ensure that the guidelines meet the highest standard.
