Evidence based practice updates - 2 May 2013

New guidelines, research and other tools and updates on evidence based techniques and processes from across the UK. For more information about this theme see Quality and Safety eBulletin: evidence based practice.

Some of the resources linked to are in PDF format - see how to access PDF files.

Health Foundation: Evaluation of the Research Scan service. The Health Foundation is seeking to commission an experienced evaluation team with strong market research background to conduct an initial evaluation of the Health Foundation’s Research Scan service. The Research Scan aims to provide a regular sweep of published research that is relevant for those seeking to improve health care quality in the UK. It focuses on empirical studies that have the potential to support people in making a practical difference. Submit a proposal by 22 May 2013.

NICE: New Evidence Updates published:

• Autism diagnosis in children and young people. A summary of selected new evidence relevant to NICE clinical guideline 128 'Autism - recognition, referral and diagnosis of children and young people on the autism spectrum 2011 Evidence update 40.
• Self-harm: longer term management. A summary of selected new evidence relevant to NICE clinical guideline 133 'Self-harm: longer term management' (2011) Evidence update 39.

NICE: NICE boosts support for innovative ideas. NICE's support for hospitals wanting to adopt innovative new technologies has been given a boost as it takes on the work of the NHS Technology Adoption Centre (NTAC) in May. With funding from NHS England, the new Health Technologies Adoption Programme (HTAP) at NICE will provide a more systematic approach to the adoption by the NHS of new technologies such as diagnostic and monitoring devices, surgical implants and other technologies that improve the care given to patients.

NICE: Using NICE guidance and quality standards to improve practice. This guide aims to help and support health and social care provider organisations to implement National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance and use NICE quality standards to achieve improved quality of care in their local settings. It aims to support health and social care professionals and managers in providing care of the highest quality and the best value for money. The guide suggests what an organisation can put in place, and what staff can do to use NICE evidence-based guidance and quality standards to improve practice.

NICE: "Life changing" treatment approved for people with severe asthma. Omalizumab (Xolair) is now available for NHS patients as an add-on treatment for severe, persistent allergic asthma in adults, adolescents and children, says NICE. This follows additional analyses and the submission of a patient access scheme (PAS) by the manufacturer Novartis to the Department of Health which makes the treatment more cost effective.

NICE: NICE approves abatacept for rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can now be offered abatacept in certain circumstances, following final guidance from NICE. Around 400,000 people currently have rheumatoid arthritis in the UK, forcing approximately a third of people with the condition to stop work within 2 years of its onset.

NICE: Calls to improve uptake of NICE-approved treatments for MS. Less than five per cent of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are eligible to receive NICE-approved drugs are being offered them, according to new research. MS is a neurological condition that affects around 100,000 people in the UK. Symptoms include fatigue, difficulties with speaking, and problems with memory and vision. In certain cases the condition can lead to severe and permanent disability.

NICE: Commissioning health and social care for people with dementia. NICE has produced a guide for commissioners on dementia, which aims to help improve the commissioning of health and social care support for people with the condition, and for their carers. There are currently around 630,000 people with dementia in the UK- a figure that is expected to double by 2035 due to an ageing population.
Commissioning guide: CMG48: NICE support for commissioners of dementia care.

University of York, Centre for Health Economics: Expected Health Benefits of Additional Evidence: Principles, Methods and Applications (PDF 1.04MB). The purpose of this research is to illustrate: i) the principles of what assessments are required when considering the need for additional evidence and the priority of proposed research; and ii) how these assessments might be informed by quantitative analysis based on standard methods of systematic review and meta-analysis.