clinical practice guidelines, prevention of catheter-related infections, methodological quality, AGREE II.

The study aimed at assessing the methodological quality of selected clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for preventing intravascular catheter-related infections. CPGs were systematically searched in electronic databases and on websites of organizations, colleges and societies based on predefined criteria and keywords over a period of 2000-2013. After sorting and analyzing 104 documents, the methodological quality of three selected CPGs was assessed with the AGREE II generic instrument. All the CPGs obtained the highest domain scores in the dimensions Scope and Purpose (87%), Stakeholder Involvement (85%) and Clarity and Presentation (87%). Significantly lower scores were noted in the other domains, that is, Applicability (62%), Rigor of Development (55%) and Editorial Independence (30%). The highest overall methodological quality was observed in the Care and Maintenance to Reduce Vascular Access Complications (RNAO).

The study aimed at assessing the methodological quality of selected clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for preventing intravascular catheter-related infections. CPGs were systematically searched in electronic databases and on websites of organizations, colleges and societies based on predefined criteria and keywords over a period of 2000-2013. After sorting and analyzing 104 documents, the methodological quality of three selected CPGs was assessed with the AGREE II generic instrument. All the CPGs obtained the highest domain scores in the dimensions Scope and Purpose (87%), Stakeholder Involvement (85%) and Clarity and Presentation (87%). Significantly lower scores were noted in the other domains, that is, Applicability (62%), Rigor of Development (55%) and Editorial Independence (30%). The highest overall methodological quality was observed in the Care and Maintenance to Reduce Vascular Access Complications (RNAO).