NICE process and methods

1 Introduction

This is not the current manual. From January 2015, guidelines were developed using Developing NICE guidelines: the manual.

From February 2014, good practice guidance became known as medicines practice guidelines. This is to bring the guideline naming in line with other NICE products. This is purely a name change, the processes and methods used to develop the guidelines remains the same.

1.1 Introduction to process statement

This process statement has been produced to explain how good practice guidance is developed. It provides an overview of the key process principles and describes all stages of the development of good practice guidance. These processes are designed to ensure that a robust, quality-assured, resource is developed for the NHS and social care in an open, transparent and timely way, with appropriate input from key stakeholders.

1.2 Background to good practice guidance

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is a non-departmental public body. NICE's evidence-based guidance and other products help resolve uncertainty about which medicines, treatments, procedures, technologies and devices represent the best quality care and offer the best value for money for the NHS. Further information about NICE and its work is available on the NICE website.

The NICE Medicines and Prescribing Centre provides advice and support for delivering safety, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of medicines. The NICE Medicines and Prescribing Centre is responsible for developing good practice guidance.