NCPE Rapid Review process
A quick review method used by Ireland's National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics to decide if a new medicine should move forward to a full health technology assessment. It checks the clinical benefits and expected costs over about three weeks.
At a glance
Use when
A rapid initial assessment is needed to prioritize medicines for full HTA based on clinical and economic potential
Avoid when
Detailed clinical or economic analysis is required, or when long-term outcomes, safety, or broader societal impacts are central concerns
Inputs
Manufacturer information summary, including clinical evidence and budget impact data
Outputs
Decision on whether the medicine proceeds to full pharmacoeconomic assessment
How it works
The NCPE Rapid Review process is a preliminary triage mechanism conducted within approximately three weeks of submission, evaluating a manufacturer's information summary to determine whether a medicine warrants a full pharmacoeconomic (HTA) assessment. The decision is based on an evaluation of clinical evidence and budget impact.
- HTA domains
- Clinical Effectiveness, Costs & Economic Evaluation
- Categories
- AppraisalCost-effectiveness Modelling
- Assumptions
- The submitted clinical and economic data are accurate and representative; the medicine fits within existing reimbursement and policy frameworks if approved
- Strengths
- Efficient triage mechanism that conserves assessment resources; rapid turnaround supports timely decision-making; focuses on key criteria (clinical benefit and cost impact)
- Limitations
- Limited depth of analysis compared to full HTA; relies heavily on manufacturer-submitted data which may be subject to bias; may not capture long-term outcomes or rare safety signals
Questions this answers
- › Does the medicine show sufficient clinical benefit to justify further assessment?
- › What is the expected budget impact of introducing the medicine?
- › Is there a significant unmet need that the medicine addresses?
- › Are the clinical data robust enough to support further evaluation?
- › Should the medicine proceed to a full HTA process?
References & sources
Similar by meaning
Beta record. Based on the original catalogue summary; primary-source enrichment pending.