A novel method of rapid appraisal of clinical practice guidelines for children with enuresis

Abstract

Enuresis (bedwetting) is a common but variably managed pediatric condition. Despite an abundance of published documents which provide recommendations for clinical evaluation and management of enuresis, no formal appraisal of their methodological quality has been undertaken. The objective of the study is to evaluate the quality of current pediatric guidelines for enuresis (bedwetting) using a novel method of appraisal. A comprehensive gray literature search was undertaken to identify guideline documents that provided recommendations for management of enuresis in children and adolescents. The search strategy included guideline databases, targeted websites, Google search engines, and MEDLINE. Guideline documents included clinical practice guidelines, consensus documents, position statements, and other clinical review documents. Each document underwent basic appraisal by two independent assessors using the International Centre for Allied Health Evidence (iCAHE) Guideline Quality Checklist. Those documents which (1) had an iCAHE quality score of ≥10; (2) used a systematic search strategy; and (3) linked evidence to their recommendations underwent further detailed appraisal using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. Eighteen documents were shortlisted for basic appraisal. The iCAHE highlighted a lack of information regarding underlying evidence and dates (mean score 36% and 41%, respectively). Only three documents met basic quality criteria and progressed to detailed appraisal using the AGREE II. These included guidelines produced by the Paediatric Society of New Zealand and National Clinical Guideline Centreand a position statement from the Canadian Paediatric Society. All three guidelines presented clear and unambiguous recommendations (mean score 80%). However, information regarding stakeholder involvement was lacking (mean score 50%). Several guidelines exist for the evaluation and management of children with enuresis, but many lack appropriate methodological quality standards. The guideline produced by the National Clinical Guideline Centre achieved the highest quality rating and is recommended for future adaptation and implementation in relevant clinical settings.