NICE 2002/053
Issued: 24 October 2002
PRESS RELEASE
NICE issues guidance on computerised cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence has issued guidance on the use of computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (CCBT) to the NHS. The guidance states that current research shows that CCBT may be of value in the management of anxiety and depression, but that this evidence is not strong enough to recommend CCBT for general use in the NHS.
NICE has recommended that the NHS should consider supporting an independent programme of research into CCBT. This research should include looking at how CCBT could fit into a 'stepped care' approach to treating anxiety and depression and the setting up of carefully monitored pilot projects. It should also include investigations into what users prefer, what their needs are, and what makes people suitable or unsuitable for treatment with CCBT - for example, does cultural background or level of education affect whether CCBT is an appropriate treatment.
Professor Peter Littlejohns, Clinical Director at NICE, said: "The Committee heard evidence from a range of sources and concluded that it is still uncertain how CCBT works alongside other treatments such as therapist led therapy. There were also uncertainties about the type, quantity and quality of support required from a facilitator to accompany CCBT, and about where and how CCBT should be delivered. Recommending independent research into CCBT is the best way to gather more evidence on how the NHS might use this technology in the future."
Ends
Notes to Editors
| 1. | A briefing on CCBT is also available from the NICE press office giving further information on the technology and the guidance. It will also be published on the NICE website at www.nice.org.uk. |
| About NICE | |
| 2. |
NICE is part of the NHS. It is the independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on treatments and care for those using the NHS in England and Wales. Its guidance is for healthcare professionals and patients and their carers to help them make decisions about treatment and healthcare. For further information about NICE you can visit www.nice.org.uk. |
| 3. |
NICE produces guidance in three areas of health:
NICE also funds four enquiries that undertake research into the way patients are treated to identify ways of improving the quality of care (the investigations are known as confidential enquiries) |
| 4. | NICE guidance and recommendations are prepared by independent groups that include professionals working in the NHS and people who are familiar with the issues affecting patients and carers. |
| About technology appraisals | |
| 5. |
Technology appraisals are recommendations on the use of new and existing medicines and treatments within the NHS in England and Wales, such as:
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| 6. | Our technology appraisal recommendations are prepared by an independent Committee, who include healthcare professionals working in the NHS and people who are familiar with the issues affecting patients and carers. The Committee considers the evidence on the clinical and cost effectiveness of the technology - this includes hearing the views of, and evidence from, clinical health professionals, experts and patients. |
| 7. | NHS organisations in England and Wales have to make the resources and facilities available to enable NICE guidance to be implemented. In January 2002 the Government announced a legal obligation for the NHS to provide funding for treatments and drugs recommended by NICE as a part of its technology appraisals work programme |
