MRC and NICE to collaborate for the first time on methodology research programme
28 May 2009
The Medical Research Council has issued a £2million call for proposals in methodology research in collaboration with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). MRC is the lead organisation for methodology research under OSCHR (Office for Strategic Co-ordination of Health Research) and leads a programme of activities that seek to strengthen the national methodological platform that underpins health research. Studies recently funded by the Medical Research Council/National Institute for Health Research (MRC/NIHR) Methodology Research Programme include methods for evaluating end-of life care and methods for evaluating diagnostic tests for use in the NHS.
The need for methodological research to underpin decision-making by NICE was highlighted in a House of Commons Health Select Committee Report in 2008. Since then MRC has been working with NICE to identify its methodological research priorities and the new call for proposals has been developed in response to the needs identified.
Professor Tim Peters, Chair of the MRC/NIHR Methodology Research Programme Panel said:
‘‘I am delighted that the Methodology Research Programme is able to offer this funding opportunity for methodological research focused on the needs of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. NICE is an important stakeholder for the panel and this initiative contains all the hallmarks of success in enabling us to attract high quality research proposals that will improve the methods used in the work of fulfilling the remit of such stakeholders.’’
Professor Peter Littlejohns, NICE Clinical and Public Health Director, said:
“NICE is tasked with making some of the most difficult decisions in public life, decisions that have an impact on the millions of people who use the NHS. It’s therefore vital for people to continue to have confidence not just in the guidance we produce, but also in the processes and methods we use to produce it. This research will address some of the key issues in our process and methodology. Of particular importance are the issues around how we measure health-related quality of life. This is translational research, it’s about getting things into our process and methodology that will make a real difference to patients.”
Background information
The following areas have been identified as most in need of further research and are likely to be supported by the call:
For more information about the call visit: http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Fundingopportunities/Initiatives/MRP/index.htm
About NICE
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.
NICE produces guidance in three areas of health:
- public health – guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention of ill health for those working in the NHS, local authorities and the wider public and voluntary sector
- health technologies – guidance on the use of new and existing medicines, treatments and procedures within the NHS
- clinical practice – guidance on the appropriate treatment and care of people with specific diseases and conditions within the NHS.
Press contact: 020 7637 6011
press.office@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
