Developing NICE technology appraisals

This is a brief summary of how NICE develops technology appraisals.
See all technology appraisals currently in development.

1. Provisional appraisal topics chosen.
   The Department of Health (DH) produces a list of provisional appraisal topics.
2. Consultees and commentators identified.
   National organisations including groups representing patients and carers, bodies representing health professionals, manufacturers and research groups. Read more about consultees and commentators.
3. Scope prepared.
   NICE works with the DH to develop a scope. This document sets out what the appraisal will cover and the questions that need to be asked. Consultees and commentators comment on the draft scope.
4. Appraisal topic referred.
   The Department of Health refers technology appraisal topics to NICE. Read more about how guidance topics are chosen.
5. Assessment report prepared.
   NICE commissions an independent academic centre to review published evidence on the technology and prepare an assessment report. Consultees and commentators are invited to comment on the report.
6. Evaluation report prepared.
   The assessment report and comments on it are drawn together in the evaluation report.
7. Appraisal consultation document (ACD) produced.
   An independent appraisal committee considers the evaluation report. It hears evidence from nominated clinical experts, patients and carers, before making its first recommendations in the ACD. Consultees and commentators have four weeks to comment on the ACD. The ACD is also made available online so health professionals and members of the public can comment on it. Read more about the Appraisal Committee.
8. Final appraisal determination (FAD) produced.
   The independent appraisal committee considers the comments on the ACD, then makes its final recommendations in the FAD. The FAD is submitted to NICE for approval. Consultees can appeal against the final recommendations in the FAD.
9. Guidance issued.
   If there are no appeals, or an appeal is not upheld, the final recommendations are issued as NICE guidance.

Single Technology Appraisal process

NICE is also introducing a new, rapid process for assessing drugs and other treatments to sit alongside its global standard process. The Single Technology Appraisal (STA) process will produce guidance more quickly on life-saving drugs that have already been licensed and on new medicines close to when they first become available. Read the press release on the single technology appraisal process.

Further information