49 The secretariat will have an important role in preparing an initial evaluation of the evidence for the appraisal group, to enable discussion to focus more easily on the key issues. The secretariat will also be involved in drafting the appraisal group's recommendations and in handling enquiries about its work, both in general and in particular cases.
   
50

The precise composition of the secretariat will of course be for NICE to determine, but we suggest that it is likely to need access to the following expertise:

  • clinical epidemiology
  • health economics
  • statistical analysis
  • research methodology
  • literature search and library skills
  • drafting of clinical guidance.