title: An evaluation of the guidelines of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
abstract: Clinical practice guidelines hope to offer unbiased, evidence-based guidance for clinicians. This paper examines levels of evidence contained within the guidelines of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and compares classification of the recommendation (CoR) A/B/C/D/E/L (derived from evidence and consensus) versus quality of evidence assessment (QoEA) I-III. 1250 recommendations were analysed and 43% of recommendations were graded as "good" evidence, the highest grade of CoR, while just 24.6% of recommendations were based on the highest level of QoEA (level I). The paper discusses possible reasons for this discrepancy. The authors hope that this analysis promotes greater transparency in evidence-based medicine ultimately leading to using the best quality of evidence available yet taking into account any areas of scientific uncertainty. This will enhance respectful care of patients, while taking into account their autonomy and furthering the cause of patient centre care.
authors.affiliation: a University College London Medical School, London, UK and.
authors.forename: Roslyn
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ghui
authors.affiliation: a University College London Medical School, London, UK and.
authors.forename: Jassimran Kaur
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Bansal
authors.affiliation: a University College London Medical School, London, UK and.
authors.forename: Catarina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McLaughlin
authors.affiliation: a University College London Medical School, London, UK and.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kotaska
authors.affiliation: b Department of Women's Health , University College London , Whittington Hospital , London , UK.
authors.forename: Amali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lokugamage
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D012955:Societies, Medical
keywords: Evidence-based medicine; SOGC; guidelines; gynaecology; obstetrics