Developing NICE public health guidance
This is a brief summary of the two processes NICE uses to develop public health.
See public health guidance in development.
The public health intervention guidance process (PHI)
- Topic selected
The intervention topic is referred to NICE by the Department of Health. - Stakeholders register interest
Potential stakeholders are asked to register an interest. Stakeholders may include national organisations representing professionals, research and academic institutions, industry and special interest groups from the general public. Stakeholders are consulted throughout the guidance development process. - Scope prepared
The scope sets out what the guidance will - and will not - cover, and outlines the review process. After a consultation period the scope is finalised. - Evidence reviewed
A synopsis is prepared, with an evidence review and economic appraisal of the intervention.The evidence review may be done by NICE or by a contracted research body. Stakeholders comment on the synopsis. - Draft intervention guidance prepared
The Public Health Interventions Advisory Committee (PHIAC) reviews the synopsis and produces draft intervention guidance. Read more about PHIAC. - Consultation on the draft guidance
There is a one month consultation period on the draft guidance. - Fieldwork carried out
The draft guidance is also field tested. A series of fieldwork meetings are held with practitioners not previously involved in developing the guidance. The meeting reports are combined into a technical report, which is submitted to PHIAC. - Final guidance produced
PHIAC reviews the technical report and comments from the consultation, and produces the final guidance. - Guidance issued
NICE formally approves the final guidance and issues it to the NHS.
The public health programme guidance process (PHP)
- Topic selected
The programme guidance topic is referred to NICE by the Department of Health. - Stakeholders register interest
Potential stakeholders are asked to register an interest. Stakeholders may include national organisations representing professionals, research and academic institutions, industry and special interest groups from the general public. Stakeholders are consulted throughout the guidance development process. - Programme development group established
A programme development group (PDG), made up of members selected for their expertise in the field is established. Read more about programme development groups. - Scope prepared
The scope sets out what the guidance will - and will not - cover, and outlines the review process. After a consultation period the scope is finalised. - Evidence reviewed
An evidence review and economic appraisal of the programme is carried out. The evidence review may be done by NICE or by a contracted research body. Stakeholders comment on the synopsis. - Draft programme guidance prepared
The PDG reviews the synopsis and produces draft programme guidance. - Consultation on the draft guidance
There is a one month consultation period on the draft guidance. - Fieldwork carried out
The draft guidance is also field tested. A series of fieldwork meetings are held with practitioners not previously involved in developing the guidance. The meeting reports are combined into a technical report, which is submitted to the PDG. - Final guidance produced
The PDG reviews the technical report and comments from the consultation and produces the final guidance. - Guidance issued
NICE formally approves the final guidance and issues it to the NHS.