OBJECTIVES:

This research aimed to investigate the impact of NICE methodology and decisions on other international HTA bodies. We sought to identify direct and indirect factors that may influence an international HTA body's methods or outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research to use a qualitative approach to understand the influence of NICE on other HTA bodies.

METHODS:

We conducted thirteen semi-structured qualitative interviews with HTA/market access experts from industry and academia representing nine countries (Brazil, Italy, Israel, Japan, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, and United Arab Emirates). The interview script was organized into three main sections: comparing NICE methods and processes with other HTA bodies, the impact of specific NICE decisions and Likert scale questions (to allow for comparability of opinions).

RESULTS:

Most interviewees believed their local HTA body would consider NICE's decision when evaluating a medicine. However, the way and extent to which NICE influences HTA varied across countries. The most common means of considering a NICE decision was as background information/context for an HTA evaluation. Generally, interviewees suggested that negative NICE decisions had more impact on local decision-making than positive decisions. 9 out of 13 interviewees agreed or strongly agreed that their country’s HTA body considers the decisions of other HTA bodies in their decision-making process. 11 out of 13 interviewees agreed or strongly agreed that the development of their country’s HTA body methods and processes were influenced by NICE.

CONCLUSIONS:

NICE is perceived to be a seminal HTA body, with continued influence on HTA bodies in other countries. However, the mechanisms and extent of influence vary considerably between countries. We suggest that implicit factors are likely to contribute more to NICE's influence compared to individual decisions. Nevertheless, further research is needed to reveal these factors and increase efficiency in international HTA decision-making processes.