Actinic Keratosis Clinical Practice Guidelines: An Appraisal of Quality

Joslyn S. Kirby, Thomas Scharnitz, Elizabeth V. Seiverling, Hadjh Ahrns, Sara Ferguson

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common precancerous skin lesion and many AK management guidelines exist, but there has been limited investigation into the quality of these documents. The objective of this study was to assess the strengths and weaknesses of guidelines that address AK management. A systematic search for guidelines with recommendations for AK was performed. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) was used to appraise the quality of guidelines. Multiple raters independently reviewed each of the guidelines and applied the AGREE II tool and scores were calculated. Overall, 2,307 citations were identified and 7 fulfilled the study criteria. The Cancer Council of Australia/Australian Cancer Network guideline had the highest mean scores and was the only guideline to include a systematic review, include an evidence rating for recommendations, and report conflicts of interest and funding sources. High-quality, effective guidelines are evidence-based with recommendations that are concise and organized, so practical application is facilitated. Features such as concise tables, pictorial diagrams, and explicit links to evidence are helpful. However, the rigor and validity of some guidelines were weak. So, it is important for providers to be aware of the features that contribute to a high-quality, practical document.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number456071
JournalDermatology Research and Practice
Volume2015
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Dermatology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Actinic Keratosis Clinical Practice Guidelines: An Appraisal of Quality'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this