A new centralized topic prioritization approach launched by NICE in England

In May 2024, a new NICE-wide topic prioritization manual was published to update and replace the manual on NICE health technology evaluation topic selection. The manual sets out the process for how new guidance topics and updates to existing NICE guidance are identified, prioritized, and routed at NICE, as well as the decision-making framework used by the newly established prioritization board. NICE also launched a new specific webpage for topic prioritization, where prioritization decisions will be published.

Previously, NICE prioritized guidance through multiple topic selection processes. Using the new, centralized approach, NICE will be able to produce more coordinated and efficient guidance and avoid duplication. 

NICE introduced a new decision-making body, the prioritization board. It will use a common prioritization framework to decide on priorities and coordinate delivery.

The NICE-wide topic prioritization process comprises the following steps:

• National priorities for the health and care system are identified by engaging with national policy teams, clinical leaders, patient groups, system partners, national innovation awards, and commissioners to gather information on potential topics;
• If a new topic or update of existing guidance addresses a national priority and meets the eligibility criteria, a topic briefing is prepared for the NICE prioritization board;
• The new topic or update is assessed using the prioritization framework alongside the NICE strategic principles for public health, social care, and rare diseases where appropriate;
• The prioritization board decides whether new NICE guidance or an update to existing guidance should be prioritized for further development and what type of guidance would be the most appropriate;
• The decision and brief rationales from the prioritization board are published on the NICE website.

See the full details here and here.

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