Technology appraisal methods and processes used before 2022

Before 2022, we used different processes for assessing technologies. You can view the process types, along with brief descriptions for each of them, on this page.

This is a technology appraisal that assesses a single drug or treatment.

When it's used

We use the single technology appraisal process for new technologies - usually new pharmaceutical products or licence extensions for existing products. We also use it for reviews of some published appraisals.

This process enables us to produce guidance soon after the technology is introduced in the UK.

We updated our single technology appraisal process in April 2018. Single technology appraisals developed from April 2018 onwards will use the updated process. Appraisals that started development before April 2018 will use the pre-April 2018 process.

This is a technology appraisal that assesses several drugs or treatments used for one condition.

When it's used

We use the multiple technology appraisal process if a new topic for an appraisal is particularly complex and not suited for the single technology appraisal process. It's also used for reviews of published appraisals.

Cost comparison appraisal

The cost comparison process aims to provide quicker access for patients to the most cost effective new treatments.

When it's used

A technology will be appraised through this process if a cost comparison case can be made that shows it's likely to provide similar or greater health benefits at similar or lower cost than technologies already recommended in technology appraisal guidance for the same indication.

If a positive recommendation is made through the cost comparison process, NHS England commissioners have committed to providing funding for the technologies within 30 days of guidance publication.