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.