The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)

Abstract

NICE produces guidance describing where a technology is clinically and cost effective. The decision as to whether it is affordable, or whether it is desirable, is a matter for UK ministers. To date it is estimated that the appraisal guidance NICE has issued has potentially increased NHS spending by about £550 million, and thus promoted equitable access to those technologies that add value. Table I summarises these appraisals. NICE is aware that the decisions it is asked to make are among the most difficult in public life. Both NICE and those forming its independent advisory committees, are acutely aware of the responsibility they carry and form their guidance with great care. The members of the independent committees who advise NICE deserve credit for the calm and considered way in which they analyse and interpret the evidence before them, notwithstanding the storms of publicity and promotion that sometimes surround the medicines they are asked to evaluate. NICE is an open and transparent organisation, and all information regarding the processes it follows and the people involved can be found on the NICE web site. In addition the email notify option, provides those who register with the facility to receive automatic updates from the site.