33 On occasion, the appraisal group may come to the view that a proposed intervention is potentially of value, but is not yet supported by sufficiently robust evidence to justify an unqualified positive recommendation by NICE. This is likely to be a particular issue during the transition period proposed in para 29 above.
   
34 In these circumstances, NICE is likely to
  i recommend that further research should be carried out to see whether the potential promise of the intervention can be realised;
  ii indicate in broad terms the questions which this research should address;
  iii advise that, in the meantime, clinicians should only use the new intervention as part of a well-designed programme of clinical research intended to answer these questions.
   
35 Exceptionally, for the first 3 years only - and where the remaining uncertainty relates only to the details of clinical practice, and not to the overall judgement on clinical and cost effectiveness - NICE may wish to indicate that the treatment may be more widely adopted, subject to assurances that the necessary research will be carried out.
   
36 Sponsoring companies will be responsible for funding any further research advised by NICE, although they will be encouraged to discuss with the Department of Health's Research and Development Directorate the best way in which this research might be organised. Where there is no clear sponsoring company for a particular innovation, the Department of Health will itself consider whether to fund the required research.