J Korean Med Sci.  2022 Jan;37(4):e26. 10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e26.

Korean Clinical Practice Guidelines: Current Status of Adherence to the RIGHT Checklist

• Choi M
• Lee YK
• Kim SY
• on behalf of the Executive Committee for CPGs, The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences

• KMID: 2525007
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e26

Abstract

Background
The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences (KAMS) has been utilizing AGREE II to audit the quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) developed in Korea. Monitoring the RIGHT Checklist adherence could help monitor the quality status and discover areas for improvement of CPG development.
Methods
We included 129 CPGs from the past 5 years and assessed each item of the RIGHT Checklist. STATA version 15.0 was used for statistical analysis.
Results
Among the seven sections of the RIGHT checklist, sections with a full compliance rate over 60% were ‘basic information’ (65%) and ‘background’ (66%). The other sections’ mean full compliance rates were ‘Evidence’ 52%, ‘Recommendation’ 35%, ‘Review and quality assurance’ 25% and ‘Funding, declaration and management of interest’ 17%. Sections with a partial compliance rate over 60% were ‘Recommendation’ (60%) and ‘Funding, declaration and management of interest’ (70%). Non-compliance was highest in the ‘Review and quality assurance’ (17%) domain. In comparison between groups 1 (under median group) and 2 (over median group), group 2 showed a tendency to have multi-stakeholder involvement and present sufficient information on financial resources and conflict of interest declarations. For the CPGs developmental methodology aspect, group 2 provided more pertinent information than group 1 about supporting evidence-making and the process from evidence to recommendation.
Conclusion
This study evaluated adherence to the RIGHT Checklist of CPGs developed in Korea. It can provide helpful information to develop strategic plans for enhancing the capabilities of developing CPGs in Korea.

Keyword

Practice Guidelines; Evidence-based Medicine; Current Status; RIGHT Checklist; AGREE II; Reporting Guide

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Assessment-driven Improvement Strategy of the Executive Committee for Clinical Practice Guidelines of Korean Academy for CPGs Development in Korea.CPG = clinical practice guideline, KAMS = The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.

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  Fig. 2 Mean average score of RIGHT Checklist compliance by section.

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