8 Key elements of the process

NICE process and methods

Table 1 summarises the key elements of the interim clinical guideline updates using standing committees process.

Table 1 Key elements of the process

Development phase	Key elements
Topic selection	Topics identified through the interim clinical guideline surveillance process Updates limited to existing guideline scope and review questions
Development	NICE Information Services search, based on existing review protocols if available Technical analysts review new evidence Clinical Guidelines Updates Committee reviews evidence and develops recommendations
Consultation	NICE consults with stakeholders for 4 weeks Committee reviews stakeholder comments and amends recommendations as needed
Validation	Quality assurance processes as described in section 12.1.2 of the NICE guidelines manual 2012 All recommendations are agreed by NICE Guidance Executive
Publication	The new evidence, committee considerations, declarations of interests and final recommendations are published on the NICE website The NICE pathway, 'Information for the public' and any relevant implementation tools and resources are updated in line with the new recommendations