Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025

Author Spotlight: Fu's Subcutaneous Needling for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
Published on: March 24, 2023
Quality and content analysis of clinical practice guidelines which include nonpharmacological interventions for knee
Brenda J Tittlemier1, Kristy D Wittmeier2,3, Sandra C Webber4
1College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Rationale, Aims, And Objectives:
Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for knee osteoarthritis (OA) guide the provision of high-quality healthcare for people with knee OA, which may improve outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the quality of and content within recently published CPGs for people with knee OA.
Methods:
CPGs (2014-2019) that described recommendations for nonpharmacological interventions for knee OA were included in the analysis. Two pairs of evaluators used the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation II instrument (AGREE II) to assess the quality of guideline development. CPG content was reviewed and summarized for comparison.
Results:
Ten CPGs were identified for inclusion in the quality and content analysis (seven newly developed and three recently updated). Overall CPG scores ranged between 42% and 100%. Six CPGs were found to be high-quality. Exercise was the only intervention recommended by all CPGs that we appraised. Weight-management and education were the next most frequently recommended interventions. Inter-rater reliability scores were high in domain 1: scope and purpose, (P-value = .001, intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.62-0.98), domain 3: rigor of development (P-value = .000, ICC = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.80-0.99) and domain 5: applicability (P-value = .001, ICC = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.64-0.98).
Conclusion:
Several CPGs have been developed or recently updated since 2014. Over half of the ten CPGs we appraised were deemed to be high-quality. Exercise, education, and weight-management advice are interventions that were most commonly recommended by CPGs.
Related Concept Videos
Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care...
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Guidelines for Nursing Documentation I
Factual:
The following points emphasize the significance of upholding accurate and unbiased documentation in healthcare.
Guidelines for Nursing Documentation II
Timely documentation is crucial to ensure continuity of care for patients. Any delays in recording or reporting medical information can result in medical errors and even adverse patient outcomes. From medication administration to diagnostic test results, every detail must be accurately and promptly documented to provide the best possible care for patients.

