The aim of this review was to inform the update of the NICE Technology Appraisal software requirements for economic model submissions.

An online survey of key stakeholders submitting economic models for NICE technology appraisals was conducted to assess the capacity to use different software packages for economic modelling (development and review). The survey also asked stakeholders to describe the strengths and weaknesses of alternative software packages.

44 stakeholders were invited to the survey, with 33 (75%) providing a response. MS Excel had been used by 100% of respondents, with TreeAge Pro the next most common (57%). The statistical language R had been used 3 times in a submission to NICE. The main concerns noted were the ability of MS Excel and TreeAge Pro to undertake more complex modelling, including patient level simulations. However, respondents noted that many simulation software packages are commercial and black box, which may have licensing and validation issues for NICE appraisals.

There was no strong consensus about whether NICE should formally accept models developed in software packages other than MS Excel and TreeAge Pro. Some respondents were concerned with the cost and training implications, in particular for review groups, while others strongly favoured the use of other software.