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The latest version of NHS Evidence (www.evidence.nhs.uk)—the web portal that provides quality-assured, best-practice information—was released on Wednesday 11 May and it now includes a wider variety of more accessible information. Dr Gillian Leng, Chief Operating Officer for NHS Evidence and Deputy Chief Executive at NICE, discusses the new features in her article.

One of these new additions is NICE Pathways (pathways.nice.org.uk), which links NICE guidance and associated products online in a manner that allows easier navigation. Speaking at the NICE Annual Conference, 10–11 May 2011, Birmingham, Dr Leng explained that the NICE Pathways links guidance across topic areas providing a network of information; for example, the COPD pathway is linked to the smoking pathway and the diet pathway links up with one on physical activity. The information has also been formatted in such a way that it is useful for not only healthcare and social care professionals, but also for commissioners and the general public.

The pathways are being prioritised based on quality standard topic areas and there are currently 17 pathways available including those on breast cancer, diabetes, and stroke. Over time, it is planned that all NICE guidance, quality standards, and related tools will be included in NICE Pathways.

Another important change to NHS Evidence is that it now provides a new focus on medicines information: users can, for the first time, carry out a simultaneous search of a number of sources, including the British National Formulary, the National electronic Library for Medicines, and the National Prescribing Centre (click here for further information). G

Julia Morris, Editor
julia.morris@mgp.ltd.uk