Evaluation of the clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Iran via the guideline appraisal with AGREE II

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Guidelines are systematically developed. They are compiled by analyzing the available knowledge, and the country's situation and conditions that will enable health service providers to make the most appropriate decision for patients in different situations. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical guidelines for diagnosing and treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Iran. Methods In this descriptive-analytical study, four experienced evaluators independently reviewed the AGREE II tool for Iran's NSCLC treatment and diagnosis guidelines, and at the end, for each of the items and in general, using the scaled domain score, we reviewed the quality and value of this guideline. "Highly recommended" refers to a standardized score of 50% in all areas. "Recommended with changes" refers to a standardized score of 50% in the overall assessment. Guideline that did not achieve a standardized score of 50% or more were designated as "not recommended." Results In the review of NSCLC diagnosis and treatment guidelines in Iran using the AGREE II tool, which revealed the following items related to the evaluated domains: In the scope and purpose, the standardized score is 70.8%, the stakeholder involvement is 75%, the rigor of development is 35.7%, the clarity of presentation is 83.3%, the applicability is 45.8%, and the editorial independence is 62.5%. Conclusions It takes considerable time and resources to develop, compile, and update quality guidelines. The development of guidelines in Iran has received much attention in recent years. According to this study, some changes should be made to the guideline for treating non-small cell lung cancer.