NICE update: Cardiac rehab push for heart failure

Following the busy summer, September has been a little quieter in terms of the volume of guidance published by NICE, writes Gary Shield. However, three important guidelines have been published, as well as two technology appraisals (TAs).

TA540 Pembrolizumab for treating relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma recommends pembrolizumab for use within the cancer drugs fund as an option for treating relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma. TA541 Inotuzumab ozogamicin for treating relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia recommends inotuzumab ozogamicin as an option for treating relapsed or refractory CD22-positive B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in adults.

An updated guideline on chronic heart failure in adults recommends offering people with heart failure a personalised, exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programme (unless their condition is unstable). The associated resource impact tools highlight the significant potential savings for CCGs as a result of cardiac rehabilitation.

Although investment in services may need to happen before savings can be achieved, by providing cardiac rehabilitation for people with heart failure the number of readmissions for these people is expected to reduce. By 2023/24, savings of £7.7m for England are estimated, equivalent to savings of around £14,000 per 100,000 population.

The final guideline on preventing suicide in community and custodial settings advises local businesses, community services and prisons on the support people considering suicide require. The guideline highlights the need for multi-agency partnership working to effectively implement the guideline.

A resource impact statement highlights that the impact should be considered locally. This will vary according to progress towards implementing existing policies and strategies.