Proportional approach to technology appraisals (PATT)

The Proportional Approach to Technology Appraisals (PATT) is a methodology used by NICE to tailor the evaluation process for new health technologies. This approach aims to make the appraisal process more efficient by scaling the level of scrutiny to the uncertainty, and potential impact of the technology being assessed.

PATT allows NICE to:

• Fast-track straightforward technologies with a clear clinical and cost-effectiveness case.
• Streamline the evaluation for technologies with a low budget impact.
• Apply full scrutiny to technologies with high costs, significant clinical uncertainty, or complex health benefits.

This ensures that the time and resources invested in an appraisal are proportionate to the challenges and importance of the decision, helping to accelerate patient access to promising new therapies.