Objective To summarize and compare the functional characteristics and technical parameters of the comprehensive global clinical practice guideline (CPG) databases, so as to provide references for the construction of CPG database of China. Methods CPG databases were collected worldwide by discussing with experts in the guideline and database fields. Studies on guideline databases were searched in PubMed and CNKI to additionally collect CPG databases mentioned in these studies. Representative comprehensive CPG databases were finally selected by consulting relevant guideline experts. The basic information, functional characteristics (including column settings, service contents, and related file types) and technical parameter data were extracted and summarized. A descriptive analysis was conducted to compare different CPG databases. Results Nine guideline databases which are distributed in eight countries of the Americas, Europe, Oceania and Asia were included. The number of included guidelines of the nine databases ranged from 31 to 15 410. The earliest database was established in 1993. Except that the MINDS database didn’t provide search function, eight databases provided basic search function, and six provided further advanced search function. PDF and HTML formats of guidelines were available in most databases, but the XML format was only available in National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC). Responsive Web design was an important feature for most websites of databases and four databases developed mobile applications. Local mainstream social media sharing function was provided by six databases. All databases’ construction was professional in technical parameters including network transmission, Web server, programming language and the selection of server room. Conclusion This study compares the functional features and technical parameters of the comprehensive global CPG databases, which provides important information that should be considered in establishing a guideline database, to strengthen the top-level design or to help optimize the functionality of a guideline database. It also helps guideline databases users to find more proper resources.
ObjectivesTo summarize and compare the operative mechanisms of the most representative comprehensive clinical practice guideline (CPG) databases worldwide, so as to provide references for establishing and managing Chinese CPG database.MethodsCPG databases were collected worldwide by discussing with experts in the guideline and database fields. Studies on guideline databases were searched in PubMed and CNKI to further collect CPG databases mentioned in these studies. Representative comprehensive guideline databases were finally selected by consulting relevant guideline experts. The institutions’ names of establishing and managing CPG databases, funding sources, human resources, aims, quality control measures (including CPG inclusion and updating criteria) were extracted and summarized. Databases were divided into government-led, society-led, and enterprise-led models. A descriptive analysis was conducted.ResultsThere were four government-led databases, four society-led databases and merely one enterprise-led database. The institutions of establishing CPG databases were same as the institutions of managing databases in the seven databases. All CPG databases had set up offices, seven of which were located in the capital. Most databases’ funds came from the government. Four databases implemented board management. According to the division of functions, members involved in establishing and managing CPG databases mainly included leaders, expert teams, managerial personnel, secretaries, web developers, and patient representatives. Criteria for inclusion of CPG were relevant to the purpose of establishing databases. Most databases required guidelines that had be updated within three to five years.ConclusionsThis study provides comprehensive information on operative mechanism of different CPG databases which can assist guideline database builders to optimize their operative mechanism.