Table 4 Application of the rigor of development and applicability AGREE II domains to international guidelines for substitute opioid therapy in treatment of opioid dependence

Domain III: rigor of development

Systematic methods were used to search for evidence

2

3

5

7

7

The criteria for selecting the evidence are clearly described

2

2

4

7

6

The strengths and limitations of the body of evidence are clearly described

1

2

2

6

7

The methods for formulating the recommendations are clearly described

3

2

4

6

7

The health benefits, side effects, and risks have been considered in formulating the recommendations

5

5

6

7

6

There is an explicit link between the recommendations and the supporting evidence

4

3

4

6

7

The guideline has been externally reviewed by experts prior to its publication

2

7

1

7

7

A procedure for updating the guideline is provided

2

5

6

6

6

Domain score

27

44

50

93

95

Domain V: applicability

The guideline describes facilitators and barriers to its application

4

4

2

6

7

The guideline provides advice and/or tools on how the recommendations can be put into practice

3

6

3

6

6

The potential resource implications of applying the recommendations have been considered

2

6

3

7

7

The guideline presents monitoring and/or auditing criteria

2

4

2

5

6

Domain score

29

67

25

86

93