Guidelines make explicit recommendations and are based upon some evidence. Evaluation includes appraisal of the following items:(Hayward, Wilson et al. 1995; Brown, 1999)

The guideline specificity and population to whom it will be applicable.
All relevant options and outcomes are specified with decision-making points apparent.
Process to identify, select, and combine evidence is described and makes sense.
Includes most recent findings (e.g., is current).
Process of peer review and evaluation specified.
Recommendations are practical and clinically relevant.
Recommendations are strong (strength of evidence described).
Guideline responds to a clinical problem.
Recommendations are applicable to patients in your current setting.
Use of recommendations would lead to identifiable outcomes that could be measured.