Health technology evaluations: interim methods and process guide for the proportionate approach to technology appraisals

2.1.1 At scoping consultation, stakeholders will be asked questions relating to the population, treatment pathway, benefit and clinical similarity to help establish the case for cost comparison. The aim is to establish if the intervention is likely to be clinically similar, so it can be compared using cost comparison methods with another intervention that NICE has previously recommended for the same indication. The chosen comparator must be established in practice and have substantial use in the NHS in England for the same indication.

2.1.2 The draft scope sent out at consultation will indicate if NICE is considering cost comparison as a possible process for the evaluation.

2.1.3 During scope consultation, NICE's medicines optimisation team will engage with medicines and prescribing associates to create a briefing report on the appropriateness of cost comparison. This report will be published alongside topic information on the NICE website.

2.1.4 The scoping consultation will enable NICE to decide if the cost comparison process is suitable, taking into account input from stakeholders. If it is established that cost comparison is appropriate, NICE will invite stakeholders to make a cost comparison submission. If cost comparison is not appropriate stakeholders will be invited to submit to a single technology appraisal. This decision will consider relevant risks associated with the appraisal and the decision to use cost comparison.

2.1.5 All other elements of the scoping phase remain as described in section 2 of the NICE health technology evaluations manual.