National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence appraisal and ageism

J Med Ethics. 2012 May;38(5):258-62. doi: 10.1136/medethics-2011-100129. Epub 2012 Jan 2.

Abstract

The requirements of the UK Equality Act 2010 and some high profile criticism for using a potentially ageist methodology have prompted the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to assess the processes and methodology it uses to make appraisal decisions. This paper argues that NICE has established rigorous systems to protect against ageist decisions, has no track record of ageism and is well placed to meet the requirements of new UK equality legislation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ageism*
  • Biomedical Technology* / economics
  • Biomedical Technology* / ethics
  • Government Agencies / ethics*
  • Government Agencies / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Government Agencies / standards
  • Health Care Costs*
  • Health Care Rationing* / ethics
  • Health Care Rationing* / standards
  • Health Care Rationing* / trends
  • Healthcare Disparities*
  • Humans
  • Life Expectancy*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Quality-Adjusted Life Years*
  • Social Values