Methods for the development of NICE public health guidance, third edition

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is the independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill health.

The structure of this manual follows the methods for development of NICE public health guidance from inception to publication. All types of NICE guidance are developed using the best available evidence and involving stakeholders in a transparent and collaborative manner. Stakeholders include national organisations that represent the public, patients and carers, practitioners, community interests and companies that have an interest in the guidance in development.

NICE guidance is:

• based on a rigorous assessment of the evidence base
• developed by independent advisory bodies, with input from the public, patients, carers, service users, health professionals and other professional groups
• developed using a transparent process and methods
• subject to a consultation with stakeholders
• regularly reviewed