Written Question · S2W-15227 · Session 2
Whether it is aware of concerns of Alzheimer Scotland regarding National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommendations anent the contin…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of concerns of Alzheimer Scotland regarding National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommendations anent the continued use of donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine and memantine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and, if so, how it will respond to these concerns.
The answer
The Executive is aware of the concerns expressed by Alzheimer Scotland about the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) preliminary recommendations on the use of donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine and memantine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
NICE provides technology appraisal guidance for the NHS in England and Wales. In Scotland, NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (QIS) is a consultee in the NICE consultation process. This allows NHS QIS to consider any specific implications arising from draft NICE guidance which will affect its use in Scotland. Because NHS QIS is involved in the NICE appraisal process, it allows them to issue advice to healthcare professionals in Scotland at the same time as the NICE guidance issues to healthcare professionals in England and Wales.
NHS QIS is currently considering the draft NICE appraisal on donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine and memantine and have sought the views of a number of consultees in Scotland, including Alzheimer Scotland. These views will be reported to NICE.
The NICE appraisal process involves a further consultation on their Final Appraisal Determination. At that stage, NHS QIS will seek further comments from their consultees about any important differences that may have an impact on the suitability of the final guidance for Scotland. NHS QIS will take these comments into account in assessing whether the final NICE guidance is valid for Scotland.
Information about the NHS QIS process for commenting on NICE guidance can be accessed at:
http://www.nhshealthquality.org/nhsqis/files/NICE%20Guidance%20process%20.pdf.
NICE provides technology appraisal guidance for the NHS in England and Wales. In Scotland, NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (QIS) is a consultee in the NICE consultation process. This allows NHS QIS to consider any specific implications arising from draft NICE guidance which will affect its use in Scotland. Because NHS QIS is involved in the NICE appraisal process, it allows them to issue advice to healthcare professionals in Scotland at the same time as the NICE guidance issues to healthcare professionals in England and Wales.
NHS QIS is currently considering the draft NICE appraisal on donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine and memantine and have sought the views of a number of consultees in Scotland, including Alzheimer Scotland. These views will be reported to NICE.
The NICE appraisal process involves a further consultation on their Final Appraisal Determination. At that stage, NHS QIS will seek further comments from their consultees about any important differences that may have an impact on the suitability of the final guidance for Scotland. NHS QIS will take these comments into account in assessing whether the final NICE guidance is valid for Scotland.
Information about the NHS QIS process for commenting on NICE guidance can be accessed at:
http://www.nhshealthquality.org/nhsqis/files/NICE%20Guidance%20process%20.pdf.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-15227 by reference.