Feature / NICE update

NICE published the following guidance in February:

Clinical guidelines

• CG176 Osteoarthritis – New recommendations in this update of clinical guideline 59 have been included for the care and management of?adults with osteoarthritis. For a population of 100,000, savings of around £15,300 are anticipated.
• CG177 Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults – Implementation of this guidance may have local cost implications in areas such as psychological therapies, drug treatments and monitoring and management of physical health. It is unlikely to lead to short-term savings and benefits, but may help the efficient use of resources and lead to long-term savings and benefits.

Technology appraisal guidance

• TA304 Total hip replacement and resurfacing arthroplasty for end-stage arthritis of the hip (review of technology appraisal guidance 2 and?44) – The guidance states that prostheses for total hip replacement and resurfacing arthroplasty are recommended as treatment options for people with end-stage arthritis of the hip only if the prostheses have rates (or projected rates) of revision of 5% or less at 10 years. No cost impact is expected.
• TA305 Aflibercept for treating visual impairment caused by macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion – Based on the list price of aflibercept, the annual cost of the recommendation is estimated at £4,000 for a population of 100,000. A patient access scheme is in place.
• TA306 pixantrone monotherapy for treating multiple relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphoma – The annual cost associated with implementing the guidance is put at £4.2m for England, based on the list price. The Department of Health and the manufacturer have agreed a patient access scheme discount.

Public health guidance

• PH50 Domestic violence and abuse – A costing statement has been produced for this as it is not possible to quantify the impact of recommendations on resources due to variation in practice. Implementing the guidance is likely to improve use of resources and lead to fewer people experiencing domestic violence and abuse. There may be long-term savings and benefits to health and social care.?

NICE update was prepared by Stephen Brookfield, (senior costing analyst) at NICE