NICE – getting involved through the RCN

Published: 02 December 2011

The RCN is a stakeholder and consultee for National Institute for Health and Clinical Exellence (NICE) appraisals, public health guidance and clinical guideline programme. As part of this process the RCN Gastrointestinal Nursing Forum is asked to participate in the development and review draft guidance.

Consultations often involve GI care and we are always keen to inform forum members in reviewing documents on behalf of the RCN, submitting evidence (where available), nominating nurses to participate in guideline development.
To find out what current consultations are underway the NICE consultations page.

To find out more information on how to get more involved please contact Caroline Rapu at the RCN.

NICE – are you in the know??

The RCN's Caroline Rapu answers some questions about NICE

Are members responding as individuals or on behalf of the RCN?

Participants send me their views/comments on the topics, which I use to develop the RCN response. The draft RCN response is circulated to all involved. The draft is further revised in the light of comments received, re-circulated and submitted to NICE.

How are the members you email identified?

Participants are identified from the forums and also by people responding to calls from the RCN for participants.  Participation is open to all RCN members, who express interest and have the expertise and knowledge of the topic.

What kind of response to you get? Are there consultations where no one responds?

Responses vary depending on the input from those involved.  In the main, there is usually a response even if it is to agree with the proposal. There have been occasions where no-one responds, usually with new drugs or procedures where it has not been possible to identify people who have the experience or expertise. The RCN nursing advisers also have an input.
 
Individuals can also apply to be members of the guideline development groups or be nominated as clinical specialists to NICE groups. NICE and collaborating centres select people based on their expertise and they do not necessarily represent the RCN on these groups.