Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what comparative assessment he has made of the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) apps with in-person CBT treatment.

The draft guidance for these products has been produced through the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) Early Value Assessment pilot process. NICE’s conditional recommendation will support further evidence generation, assessing clinical and cost effectiveness until the product meets the requirements for evidence to receive full guidance. The full guidance will determine efficacy in comparison to other treatments options, including in-person cognitive behavioural therapy.

The products are conditionally recommended as a first-line treatment option or alongside other treatments for children and young people. The conditional recommendation and accompanying points on evidence generation may change after consultation. Until full guidance is confirmed post consultation, there is no estimate to determine the number of prescriptions expected to be made.