The scores for each item were determined using the modified Delphi method and finalized with the consensus of over 90% of the panel members. The development process has been published and peer-reviewed, and the tables were created based on scientific methodology (Inada et al., 2022;
Fukumoto et al., 2023).
The calculation tables have been regularly updated since the initial publication, and the latest versions are available on our website. Initially, the raw IFS scores were used in the analyses. However, feedback from Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) indicated that the rate format was preferable to the score format. In response, we refer to this metric as the "Guideline Adherence Rate." This rate represents the percentage of alignment with pharmacological treatment recommendations as defined by the guidelines and is calculated by converting the IFS score at the time of evaluation into a percentage.
The calculation table consists of two components: basic conditions and additional conditions. During evaluation, the treatment is first assessed to determine which of the basic conditions a patient meets. If any of the additional conditions apply, rates are deducted accordingly. If the final rate is less than 0%, it is uniformly considered 0%.
