NICE 2001/ 040
4 December 2001
Press statement
Anne-Toni Rodgers, Communications Director, who represented NICE at the Consumer Association's meeting, said, "We are always pleased to receive direct feedback on our work. The Consumers' Association recommendations cover three points,
Firstly the Appraisal process and transparency; I was at the Consumers' Association meeting and it was clear that many of the concerns raised on the day regarding the appraisal process were answered by the Institute's revised appraisal process. The appraisal process was revised in February with input from all our stakeholders including patient / carer organisations.
The Institute has always made the details of the processes it follows available to the public and in fact full details of the appraisal process are published on our web site, alongside guidance for patient/carer organisation on preparing their submissions. However we had recognised that there is always room for improvement and the Consumer's Association recommendation makes me feel confident that our decision to increase investment in our communications function was the right one. Over the next few months we have a series of projects planned to increase awareness of the Institute and the processes we follow.
Regarding the decision making process, those interested in appraisals and guidelines can follow our decision making process on the web site. Draft versions of our guidelines have always been available on the web site during their consultation period and in February this year the Institute took the decision to publish draft appraisal documents. This revised process started with appraisals that commenced after the February decision and the first Appraisal Consultation Document will be on our web site next month. These documents include summaries of the information on both clinical and cost effectiveness.
Secondly a review of NICE, the Institute is a part of the NHS and like any public body it is regularly reviewed, for example the Health Select Committee have indicated that they will review the Institute next month. We recognise the learning that can be taken from such reviews and always ensure that we cooperate to the best of our ability.
Finally NICE is clear that the patient/carer perspective should inform each piece of guidance it produces. We greatly appreciate the commitment of the national groups that represent patients and their carers and recognise their representative role"
Notes for Editors:
| 1. | NICE web site www.nice.org .uk |
| 2. | NICE is recognised for the transparency of its work, in addition to publishing making the final guidance available, along with the evidence base it also publishes on its web draft decisions for consultation, the minutes of Committee meetings; its business plans, corporate strategy, annual report and accounts; in addition to its Board papers and the minutes of its public Board meetings. On the web site you can also find full details of the Institute's current work programme the processes it follows, those involved in the work and clear direction on how to engage in the process. |
| 3. | Those taking part in an appraisal are provide with clear guidance on how to prepare their submissions and how the process will work. |
