NICE guidance: a comparative study of the introduction of the single technology appraisal process and comparison with guidance from Scottish Medicines Consortium

Ford, J.A., Waugh, N., Sharma, P., Sculpher, M. and Walker, A. (2012) NICE guidance: a comparative study of the introduction of the single technology appraisal process and comparison with guidance from Scottish Medicines Consortium. BMJ Open, 2(1), e000671. (doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000671)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000671

Abstract

<p><b>Objectives:</b> To compare the timelines and recommendations of the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) and National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), in particular since the single technology assessment (STA) process was introduced in 2005.</p> <p><b>Design:</b> Comparative study of drug appraisals published by NICE and SMC.</p> <p><b>Setting:</b> NICE and SMC.</p> <p><b>Participants:</b> All drugs appraised by SMC and NICE, from establishment of each organisation until August 2010, were included. Data were gathered from published reports on the NICE website, SMC annual reports and European Medicines Agency website.</p> <p><b>Primary and secondary outcome measures:</b> Primary outcome was time from marketing authorisation until publication of first guidance. The final outcome for each drug was documented. Drug appraisals by NICE (before and after the introduction of the STA process) and SMC were compared.</p> <p><b>Results:</b> NICE and SMC appraised 140 drugs, 415 were appraised by SMC alone and 102 by NICE alone. NICE recommended, with or without restriction, 90% of drugs and SMC 80%. SMC published guidance more quickly than NICE (median 7.4 compared with 21.4 months). Overall, the STA process reduced the average time to publication compared with multiple technology assessments (median 16.1 compared with 22.8 months). However, for cancer medications, the STA process took longer than multiple technology assessment (25.2 compared with 20.0 months).</p> <p><b>Conclusions:</b> Proportions of drugs recommended for NHS use by SMC and NICE are similar. SMC publishes guidance more quickly than NICE. The STA process has improved the time to publication but not for cancer drugs. The lengthier time for NICE guidance is partly due to measures to provide transparency and the widespread consultation during the NICE process.</p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Walker, Dr Andrew
Authors: Ford, J.A., Waugh, N., Sharma, P., Sculpher, M., and Walker, A.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre
Journal Name:BMJ Open
Publisher:BMJ Publishing Group
Published Online:30 January 2012
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2012 The Authors
First Published:First published in BMJ Open 2(1):e000671
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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