Modular updates
A modular update is a review of the processes and/or methods that inform our guidance, that may result in an update to our manuals.
Our modular updates framework ensures consistency in updating our manuals and helps prioritise important updates. It also allows for suggestions from external stakeholders in identifying the candidates for modular updates. This ensures that the manuals continue to meet our users' needs.
How do we choose and prioritise updates?
There are 3 main ways to determine and prioritise the need for modular updates:
updates needed to deliver business priorities
updates needed to reflect changes to how NICE operates
updates selected from suggestions by internal and external stakeholders.
The framework for a modular approach (Word) sets out how we will:
identify and prioritise modular updates to the manuals
review the evidence and propose changes to the manuals
engage and consult with stakeholders
implement the modular updates.
NICE is responsible for the final decision, when selecting which methods and process areas are suitable for a modular update.
The process
How you can suggest a modular update
An online form will be made available for stakeholders to submit candidates for modular updates for 2 months each year (typically during June and July). When available, the form will collect the following information:
respondent details (name, organisation, email, role)
stakeholder group that the respondent represents (e.g. health care professional, academia)
manual to be updated and any relevant sections, if known
brief description of issue
whether you think this could be suitable for an HTALab project
links with, or funding from, the tobacco industry
supporting information.
Shortlisting and prioritisation of suggested modular updates 2025
26 submissions were received from a range of stakeholders with a total of 17 unique suggestions. 2 modular updates were recommended by the Modular updates and Oversight Panel (MSOP) and 1 modular update was prioritised during business planning – carer quality of life.
Decisions for each of the 17 unique suggestions for modular updates are summarised in the minutes of meetings of the MSOP (Word).
Title | Description | Progress as of April 2026 |
|---|---|---|
EQ-5D-5L value set | This update will enable the adoption of the value set from the new UK valuation study for the EQ-5D-5L into NICE’s reference case. | Consultation for this update took place between 15 April and 27 May 2026. |
Funding variation requests | This update will set out NICE's updated process outlining how it considers and approves funding variation requests. | Consultation for this update will take place between 11 May and 19 June 2026. |
Developing NICE guidelines: the manual updates | This update will reflect recent organisational changes within NICE. | These updates are due to be published in the manual during 2026. |
Carer quality of life | This update will provide updated guidance on when and how carer health-related quality of life should be incorporated into economic analyses. | This update has been prioritised during 2026 business planning and work has started. |
Surrogate endpoints | This update will provide updated guidance on how surrogate endpoints can be used in cost-effectiveness modelling. | This update was prioritised in February 2025 but was paused due to the need to redirect resources to other methods priority projects. It has been prioritised during 2026 business planning and work has started. |
Title | Description | Progress |
|---|---|---|
Thresholds | This update increased the thresholds that NICE can use in technology appraisals to £25,000 - £35,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained. | Complete. |
HealthTech guidance in PMG36 | The NICE technology appraisal and highly specialised technologies guidance manual was updated to reflect that a separate HealthTech programme manual now exists. | Complete. |
HealthTech programme updates | This update provided a unified process for NICE's HealthTech teams (formerly DAP, MTEP, IP) in the HealthTech programme manual and updated guidance on methods for Early-use and Existing-use HealthTech. | Complete. |
Health inequalities | This methods update provided guidance on how to incorporate health inequalities considerations in technology evaluations. | Complete. |
Key documents
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