e-Health

The application portal for inclusion in the directory of digital health apps (DiGA) at the Federal Office for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has been online since May 27, 2020. The application, which can be submitted only electronically, is the first step for the respective health app to be reimbursed in the future as part of regular care.

In spring 2020, the French High Authority for Health, HAS, has announced the call for public consultation with the purpose of developing a draft functional classification of the digital solutions (for example, health apps, web platforms). The call ends on June 30, 2020.

On 24 April 2020, NHSX, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have announced 18 innovative digital solutions being awarded up to £25,000 under the TechForce19 challenge.

NHSX provides funding through 'Techforce 19' to innovators who can find digital ways to benefit those in need of help, including those in need of mental health support and social care. The technology is intended to help people who might be most impacted by the long term effects of remaining housebound during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 5, 2020, the NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) announced the 11 high impact innovations that will enter the national accelerator in 2020. As outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan, the technologies that enter the award-winning NIA provide solutions that help prioritize areas for NHS.

NHSX is creating a Digital Health Technology Standard to enhance the way the NHS assesses digital technology for use by patients and staff. It is meant to help developers understand what is required of them, and simplify and streamline how health technologies are assessed and commissioned for use in the NHS. The consultation continues until 22 April 2020 Wednesday.

A syndicated 105-page report includes information on the current administrative framework for health apps, current reimbursement framework, examples of reimbursed apps, the role of health technology assessment, upcoming changes in the reimbursement systems. The report includes analysis in five European countries: Belgium, England, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

In late January 2020, the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and health insurance provider Barmer have signed an integrated care contract for the telemedical management of patients with chronic heart failure. Also, the benefit assessment process at the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has already started, and a result is expected in spring 2021.

With the support of Aaron.ai, the first health application from the project “KBV Future Practice” ("KBV-Zukunftspraxis") was launched in Germany. About 50 medical practices are now testing the smart telephone assistant in their daily work. The evaluation of the practical tests is carried out by the Charité.

In order to promote the video consultations, the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) and the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV-Spitzenverband) have agreed on several new regulations. Thus, a video consultation will also be possible if the patient has not been previously treated by the doctor. For psychotherapies, the video consultations were reopened.

Outcomes Based Healthcare and My Diabetes My Way have been selected as Health Data Research UK (HDRUK) Sandbox projects.

In Sweden, the Centre for Assessment of Medical Technology (CAMTÖ) leads the development of HTA cooperation in the healthcare region Uppsala-Örebro. In September 2019, CAMTÖ released a systematic review on SMS alerts to laypersons for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) that aimed to clarify SMS efficacy on survival after OHCA. Currently, the best available evidence does not support the use of SMS alarm to laymen as a means of improving survival after OHCA.