Developing evidence based guidance on tobacco control
Patti White, Analyst, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, London, UK

Abstract
Developing evidence based guidance on tobacco control.

Background
The Centre for Public Health Excellence at the National Institute for Health and Clinical Evidence (NICE) is responsible for providing guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention of ill health in England. Health inequalities is a cross cutting theme considered in the development of all NICE guidance. Since 2005, NICE has produced five guidance documents on tobacco and has two currently in development.

Methods
NICE has a set method for producing public health guidance which is conducted through independent committees and with widespread consultation, both with registered ‘stakeholders’ and with representatives of those who will be expected to implement the guidance. Methodical reviews of the evidence of effectiveness and cost effectiveness are considered alongside other types of evidence, including expert testimony from practitioners, economic modeling and seeking the views of a target audience, such as young people. NICE and its advisory committees base their decisions on the best available evidence, but it doing so they also have to make scientific and social value judgments.

Conclusions
The resulting guidance makes recommendations for action based on the best possible evidence of effectiveness and cost effectiveness and coupled with practicality and usefulness for the people who will be working with it on a daily basis.