Hailey D, Tran K; Health Technology Assessment International. Meeting (2nd : 2005 : Rome, Italy).
Ital J Public Health. 2005; 2: 136.
University of Alberta, 22 Sinclair Street, Kambah, Canberra, ACT 2902 Australia E-mail: dhailey@ozemail.com.au
Keywords Sleep laboratories; Guidelines; Study quality; Relevance Objectives: To assess the quality and relevance of evidence cited by guidelines for sleep laboratories in support of their recommendations on the evaluation of individuals with sleep disorders. Method: We used a simple scoring approach intended to be readily accessible to decision makers. Quality of evidence in support of recommendations was rated as A (from well - conducted, prospective controlled studies); B (from controlled studies and case series; with minor shortcomings); or C (from case series, or case series plus controlled studies with substantial limitations). Relevance of the cited evidence was also rated from A to C, in decreasing order of merit. Results: Of 81 recommendations from 37 guidelines, 46 were supported by evidence from primary studies. Of these, only six corresponded to category A. Fifteen recommendations were supported by category B evidence and 25 recommendations by category C studies. Judgements on the relevance of the cited evidence suggested that it was highly relevant to the recommendation in 18 cases, of some relevance in 22 and of little or no relevance in six. Four recommendations were informed by an absence of available evidence. For the other 31, either no evidence was provided or there was support by consensus. Conclusions: While guidelines on the use of sleep laboratory investigations contain much detailed information, the level of evidence for many recommendations is of limited quality and relevance. There is a need for further, good quality, studies of many sleep laboratory applications.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Case-Control Studies
- Consensus
- Guidelines as Topic
- Health Planning Guidelines
- Physical Therapy Modalities
- Prospective Studies
- Research Design
- Sleep Disorders
- hsrmtgs
UI: 103141086
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