e-Health

In early December 2021, NHS Accelerated Access Collaborative announced seven technologies that will be covered by the MedTech Funding Mandate (MTFM) in 2022/23: four for benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment (UroLift, GreenLight XPS, Rezum, and PLASMA system), and three for improving the patient experience during procedures (XprESS multi-sinus dilation system, Thopaz+, and Spectra Optia). Four technologies included in 2021/22 (placental growth factor-based testing, SecurAcath, HeartFlow, and gammaCore) will continue to be supported.

In November 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published two new Interventional Procedure Guidance (percutaneous implantation of pulmonary artery pressure sensors in chronic heart failure and coronary sinus narrowing device implantation for refractory angina), one new Medical Technologies Guidance (Synergo for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer), one new Diagnostic Guidance (SeHCAT for diagnosing bile acid diarrhea), and four new Medtech Innovation Briefings (clonoSEQ for minimal residual disease, CerebAir for continuous EEG monitoring, 24/7 EEG SubQ for epilepsy, Paige Prostate for prostate cancer). Also, three new clinical guidelines were published, and six were updated.

In October 2021, the Scottish Health Technology Group released two Innovative Medical Technology Overviews for e-health technologies. The topics were asynchronous digital dermatology appointment service (DDAS) and the Dxcover™ Brain Cancer Liquid Biopsy. Regarding DDAS, the authors concluded that the Scottish health boards should provide more data to allow for further performance and economic analyses of the DDAS. Regarding Dxcover™, the SHTG concluded that it was cost-effective, but further work to confirm its accuracy, effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness is required.

In late October 2021, the Treatment Council (Behandlingsråd) published three topics chosen for developing the so-called major analyses (større analyser) in 2022. The selected topics include patient-centered diabetes technology, hand-held focused ultrasound in emergency medicine, and artificial intelligence as decision support for colonoscopy.

In November 2021, NHSX announced projects to improve digital pathways awarded for funding from the newly created Adoption Fund. Funding opportunities will support Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) with initiatives to test out digital pathways across various specialty areas, including gastroenterology, musculoskeletal, and cardiology. A total of 35 applications were successful and will share funding of £6.5 million.

In early October 2021, three more health apps were introduced in the Directory of digital health applications (DiGAs) at the Federal Office for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and thus became reimbursable. These apps can be prescribed by physicians and psychotherapists and will be reimbursed by health insurers. In total, 23 health apps are now available at the DiGA Directory.

On September 29, 2021, NHSX announced the first phase winners of a Digital Health Partnership Award aimed to help NHS organizations receive funding to accelerate the adoption of digital health products and services to monitor patients with long-term conditions remotely. There will be three categories of funding: projects requiring the support of up to £100,000, £250,000, and £500,000.

In September 2021, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in England released two MedTech-related reports in its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Journal, which concerned non-invasive imaging software for coronary stenosis assessment (QAngio XA 3D/QFR and CAAS vFFR) and quantitative fetal fibronectin test to predict preterm labor. HTA Journal publishes research reports on the effectiveness, costs, and broader impact of health technologies for those who use, manage, and provide care in the NHS and informs National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.

In late September 2021, the Austrian version of the DRG system (LKF) 2022 model with the relevant supplementary documents was published in Austria. The document "Changes and innovations in the 2022 LKF model" (Änderungen und Neuerungen in den LKF-Modellen 2022) summarizes the most significant changes and innovations in the LKF model for inpatient and outpatient care. The newly added procedure codes concern mainly the cardiovascular, E-Health, and gastrointestinal area.

The Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) is a national health technology assessment (HTA) agency providing advice to NHSScotland on the use of new and existing health technologies, likely to have a significant impact on healthcare. In the third quarter of 2021, SHTG published only one report in relation to HeartFlow fractional flow reserve computerized tomography (FFRCT). Currently, the SHTG is working on assessments of technologies in the field of diabetes, digital health, surgical procedures, and other topics.

On September 20, 2021, Swedish Medical Technologies Product (MTP) Council announced ongoing horizon scanning for medical technology products used in obstructive lung diseases within the Orderly introduction framework. The Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency (TLV) initiated a theme survey, accepting suggestions until October 15, 2021.

In September 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published three new Interventional Procedure Guidance (transapical transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve implantation for a failed surgically implanted mitral valve bioprosthesis, transapical transcatheter mitral valve-in-ring (TMVIR) after failed annuloplasty for mitral valve repair, and lateral elbow resurfacing for arthritis), and two new Medtech Innovation Briefings (Carnation Ambulatory Monitor, OrganOx metra for liver transplant). Also, one clinical guideline was updated.