NICE launches revised guide to appraisals methodologies

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has launched a revised version of its guide to methods of appraisal.The new Guide to the Methods of Technology Appraisal replaces the previous document published in May 2004, and provides an overview of the principles and methods used by NICE to assess health technologies, including both drugs and other treatments. It is intended for use by the independent advisory committees which prepare the Institute's guidance and also for the organisations representing patient groups, health professionals and manufacturers that submit evidence and comment on draft recommendations."NICE is the global leader in evaluating the benefits of new drugs and treatments. Our methods guide underpins the development of all of our appraisal guidance and so it is very important that we regularly review it to take into account the latest research and to reflect changes in the field of healthcare economics," commented Professor Peter Littlejohns, clinical and public health director at NICE. "This review has been a valuable process which has enabled us to incorporate the views of stakeholders and the public. The new guide will help keep NICE at the cutting edge of this important work," he added.The new Guide is to be used in conjunction with the Institute's Guide to the Technology Appraisal Process and its Guide to the Single Technology Appraisal Process, which describe the steps the Institute goes through in developing its guidance.