The FAD is roughly the same as the ACD. However, one point of note is that this is the first technology appraisal guidance where the recommendations cover both health and social care since the formalisation of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the Health and Social Care Information Centre Regulations 2013. These regulations requires clinical commissioning groups, NHS England and, with respect to their public health functions, local authorities to comply with the recommendations in this appraisal within 3 months of its date of publication.
However, the FAD reports that “the Committee noted the concerns raised during both its meetings and the consultation regarding difficulties that may be encountered complying with the implementation period in which to provide funding for nalmefene. It was aware of the requirement for the relevant health bodies (clinical commissioning groups, NHS England and local authorities) to provide funding to ensure the technology is available within 3months, from the date the recommendation is published by NICE. The Committee noted that the provision of psychosocial intervention differs throughout England, and the licence for nalmefene mandates that treatment should be given in combination with psychosocial support. The Committee highlighted that it would be reasonable for NICE to reflect on whether the standard 3 month implementation period is appropriate.”
ScHARR-TAG were the ERG for this appraisal, with our research team being Matt Stevenson, Abdullah Pandor, John Stevens, Andrew Rawdin and Ruth Wong.
