e-Health

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.

On September 10, 2021, it was announced that the Government of Spain had increased the budget allocated to the Spanish Network of Agencies for the Evaluation of Health Technologies and Benefits (RedETS) by 48.2% (compared to last year) for the development of the annual work plan. In total, the 2021 budget for the evaluation of health technologies in the National Health System amounts to €6,149,510. As a consequence of the budget increase, the RedETS 2021 Work Plan has included three new lines of evaluation.

In August 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published three new Interventional Procedure Guidance (magnetic resonance therapy for knee osteoarthritis, laparoscopic removal of uterine fibroids with power morcellation, hysteroscopic mechanical tissue removal for uterine fibroids), and six new Medtech Innovation Briefings (PLASMA system with button electrode, Immunoscore, MMprofiler, Patient Status Engine, lung texture analysis, Colli-Pee). Also, five clinical guidelines were published.

On August 31, 2021, NHSX published a set of guidelines for digitized healthcare, including the Unified Tech Fund (UTF) prospectus, which seeks to simplify and consolidate the process for accessing technology funding. The UTF brings together several national technology funds. This amounts to £680 million available to NHS organizations throughout the financial year 2021 to 2022. The applications submission is open from August 31, 2021.

At the end of August 2021, the Swedish Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency (TLV) has initiated a theme survey on digital image diagnostics to identify new and innovative technology that may become important in Swedish healthcare. This could lead to potential inclusion of the technology in the Orderly introduction of medical technologies framework. The suggestions could be submitted no later than September 24, 2021.

On August 31, 2021, NHSX published a set of guidelines for digitized healthcare to support Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) and individual health and care organizations to transform services for patients. Three guidelines are available now to help local leaders to accelerate digital transformation in their organizations and support the NHS Long Term commitment to digitize the entire NHS for the benefit of patients and staff.

In July 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published one new Interventional Procedure Guidance (inducing and maintaining normothermia using temperature modulation devices to improve outcomes after stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage) and four new Medtech Innovation Briefings (HealthVCF for detecting vertebral compression fractures on CT scans, trublood-prostate for triaging and diagnosing people with prostate cancer symptoms, AI technologies for detecting diabetic retinopathy, and Acumen IQ sensor for predicting hypotension risk).

In June 2021, NICE announced developing a multi-agency advisory service for developers and adopters of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies, funded by NHS AI Lab. NICE is working in partnership with the Care Quality Commission, Health Research Authority, and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

In early July 2021, two 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, nineteen health apps are now available at the DiGA Directory.