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. 2014 Nov;34(8):706-11.
doi: 10.3109/01443615.2014.920794. Epub 2014 Jun 12.

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines: how evidence-based are they?

K Prusova  1 , L Churcher, A Tyler, A U Lokugamage
Affiliations
Free PMC article

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines: how evidence-based are they?

K Prusova et al. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2014 Nov.
Free PMC article

Abstract

Evidence-based medicine aims to translate scientific research into good medical practice. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists publishes recommendations and guidelines to guide clinicians in decision-making. In this study, the evidence base underlying the 'Green-top Guidelines' has been analysed in order to establish the quality of research underlying recommendations. During this descriptive study of 1,682 individual recommendations, the authors found that only 9-12% of the guidelines were based on the best quality (Grade A) evidence. The authors believe that this type of analysis serves to provide greater clarity for clinicians and patients using guidelines and recommendations in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology to make collaborative clinical decisions.

Keywords: Evidence-based medicine; RCOG; guidelines; gynaecology; obstetrics.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Classification of evidence levels underlying RCOG guidelines published (a) before and (b) after December 2007.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Classification of evidence underlying Obstetrics guidelines published (a) before and (b) after December 2007.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Classification of evidence underlying Gynaecology guidelines published (a) before and (b) after December 2007.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Distribution of quality of evidence underlying obstetric recommendations stratified by the type of guideline, published (a) before and (b) after December 2007.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Distribution of quality of evidence underlying gynaecology recommendations stratified by the type of guideline, published (a) before and (b) after December 2007.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Quality of evidence underlying gynaecological subspecialty guidelines, published (a) before and (b) after December 2007.
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