Written question asked by Lord Luce (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Monday, 28 February 2011.

Health: Pain Management

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress is being made by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in producing guidelines in multi-discipline pain management services; what range of skills is incorporated in their definition of multi-discipline pain management services; and whether the latest research on newer pain mechanisms and treatment options is incorporated in their advice.

Answer: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published clinical guidelines on low back pain and the pharmacological management of neuropathic pain. The need for a clinical guideline on post-operative pain relief is currently being considered through NICE’s topic selection process. To help local commissioners, we have asked NICE to assess the feasibility and scope for a quality standard on pain management. The scope and content of NICE’s guidance is a matter for NICE as an independent body, and NICE has a well developed process for assessing the significance of new research and for updating its guidance as necessary.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 7091; 725 c248-9WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Health services Drugs Medical treatments Pain National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Research
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk