Quality appraisal of clinical practice guidelines for type 2 diabetes: a protocol for AGREEII-based living systematic review

Article type
Authors
Zhang Q1, Wang W1, Wang S2, Tang J3, Ruan S2, Ye Y4, Zeng X2, Jin Y2, Li S5
1Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China; School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
2Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China; Department of Evidence-Based Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, Second School of Clinical Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
3Department of Endocrinology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
4Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
5Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Department of Guideline and Rapid Recommendation, Cochrane China Center, MAGIC China Center, Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
Abstract
Background:
The global burden of type 2 diabetes requires reliable clinical practice guidelines. Despite the continuous publication of guidelines, a comprehensive overview is lacking. Using AGREE II, this living systematic review aims to regularly search and collate openly available clinical practice guidelines for type 2 diabetes, assess their methodological quality and summaries their recommendations.

Objectives:
The study aims to conduct a systematic search every three months, starting with the first search on 1 April 2024. Literature databases, websites of professional societies and guideline repositories will be searched to update this living systematic review with openly available clinical practice guidelines for type 2 diabetes worldwide. Paired independent reviewers will assess the quality of the guidelines using AGREE II and present the recommendations in an easily accessible online platform.

Methods:
After the initial search, the study will conduct a systematic search every three months, searching literature databases, professional academic association websites and guideline repositories for openly available clinical practice guidelines for type 2 diabetes. Paired independent reviewers will assess the methodological quality of the identified guidelines using AGREE II and summaries the recommendations on an online platform.

Results:
The study will provide regular updates on the methodological quality and recommendations of clinical practice guidelines for type 2 diabetes. These updates will facilitate global access to recommendations for clinicians and highlight evidence gaps in type 2 diabetes research.

Conclusions:
This living systematic review will improve clinician access to recommendations for the management of type 2 diabetes worldwide. It will also identify areas where further research is needed to fill evidence gaps in type 2 diabetes care.