WHO commends NICE processes
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence has been praised by the World Health Organization for achieving an international reputation in only four years. But the praise is tempered by concern that pharmaceutical companies are too close to the appraisal process and by conflicts between transparency and confidentiality.
A WHO review team said that published NICE appraisals are already being
used as international benchmarks and that this was clear recognition
of their credibility. However, the team said that although the transparency
of the appraisal process and intensive participation of stakeholders
was a significant achievement, it was necessary to reconcile the inherent
contradiction of transparency and the institutes acceptance of confidential
material from drug companies. There was also concern about the inclusion
of company employees on appraisal committees.
“Although there is a need to ensure that manufacturers’ views
are taken into consideration, this should not be through membership of
the
appraisal committee but through the consultation process,” a WHO
report says (PDF 900K).
WHO was asked by NICE to review its processes following a House of Commons
Health Select Committee recommendation last year that an independent
review of a selection of NICE appraisals should be carried out. |
