VAAFT for treating anal fistulae

Equality considerations

NICE is committed to promoting equality, eliminating unlawful discrimination and fostering good relations between people with particular protected characteristics and others. In producing guidance and advice, NICE aims to comply fully with all legal obligations to: promote race and disability equality and equality of opportunity between men and women, eliminate unlawful discrimination on grounds of race, disability, age, sex, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity (including women post-delivery), sexual orientation, and religion or belief (these are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010).

People with anal fistulae are limited by pain and the management of their condition. If the condition is severe and has a significant and long-standing effect on their ability to carry out activities of daily living, they may be considered to have a disability. People with diseases that increase the risk of anal fistulae (for example, Crohn's disease) may also be considered to have a disability if the condition has similar effects on daily living. Disability is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act.