Rapid and responsive health technology assessment: the development and evaluation process in the South and West region of England

The Development and Evaluation Committee (DEC) provides local guidance on the value of new and existing health care technologies, including drugs, devices, procedures and health care settings. The system is made up of two components: i) literature review and cost‐effectiveness estimation of the proposed and current technologies, and ii) consideration by the Development and Evaluation Committee which arbitrates, makes recommendations and disseminates results across the South and West region. Sixty‐three reviews have been undertaken to date, including, for example, beta interferon for multiple sclerosis, pulsed dye laser in the treatment of port‐wine stains, and paclitaxel in ovarian cancer. The outcomes of this service are guides to purchasing which are both carefully researched and scrutinized.