WIREDGOV

NICE is gathering the opinions of patients and the public to help develop the ways it presents its guidance.

We have launched a short online questionnaire, consisting of questions that will help gauge the awareness of our clinical guidelines and experience of using them. The questionnaire is a mixture of multiple choice questions and opportunities to provide more detailed replies.

Results from the survey will help NICE improve the way evidence and recommendations are presented in its clinical guidelines.

The survey forms part of a larger study called DECIDE, which is a five-year collaborative project funded by the European Commission's Seventh Framework Programme.

DECIDE is designed to research and improve the way healthcare evidence and recommendations are presented in clinical guidelines. It will also examine how guidance is presented to both patients and the public and also healthcare professionals.

The study began in January 2011 and is coordinated by the University of Dundee. NICE is one of several study partners, which include Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and the Finnish Medical Society Duodecim.

Other partners are regulatory and academic bodies with an interest in evidence-based medicine from Norway, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Italy and the World Health Organisation.

Dr Judith Thornton, NICE project lead and Technical Adviser for guidelines, said: "At NICE, we are interested in how the presentation of guidelines affects their uptake and application. We want as many people as possible to be aware of the guidance to ensure they receive the best possible care and have a number of ongoing projects in this area.

"Results from DECIDE will be used to inform the way that NICE clinical guidelines are presented to patients and public in terms of both content and format.

"In addition, results from the other work packages, for example, healthcare professionals will also be incorporated."

The survey runs until 9 October and its questions cover the suite of clinical guideline documents NICE produces. These range from the full version, which describes how recommendations were developed from available evidence, to the Quick Reference Guide, which is for use by healthcare professionals.

An Understanding NICE guidance (UNG) document is also produced, which is a summary of the guideline aimed at patients and carers.

Part of NICE's policy is to produce guidance that meets the needs of patients, carers and the public, and engages them in its development.

The Patient and Public Involvement Programme (PPIP) is committed to developing and supporting opportunities to involve patients, carers and the public in NICE's work.

Members of the public are encouraged to cooperate with NICE in the production of its in guidance in several ways. This includes commenting on draft guidance for consultation, suggesting topics to our Topic Selection Team and helping put NICE guidance into practice.

Further information on the PPIP programme and details on how the public can get more involved with our work can be obtained from our website.