P092  NICE biologics pathways for inflammatory arthritis exhibit regional variability due to modification by CCG’s: results from a national survey of pathways in England

Conclusion There is wide regional variation in the interpretation of NICE guidance by CCG’s resulting in many different local pathways depending on geography. Approximately 50% of pathways restricted biologics prescribing by mandating the type and sequence of biologics used, potentially compromising patie nt care and delaying treatment by requiring an IFR for a NICE approved biologic. Moreover, pathways varied as to which biologics could be used at any point of management by region as well. As exemplars of good practice, approximately 50% of CCG’s had no cap, allowing clinical freedom to prescribe the most appropriate biologic. The results of this national study demonstrate the variability of biologics pathways in many areas of England ensuring a postcode lottery still exists in many regions.Disclosure J. Mistry: None.D. Hill: None.A. Bosworth: None.A. Kaul: None.
Source: Rheumatology - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research