February 2026 Med Tech-related health technology assessments from the NIHR in England

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funds valuable independent research for health and social care decision-makers in England. Reports from the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme are published in the NIHR HTA Journal and inform the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance. 

In February 2026, five Med Tech-related assessments were published in the NIHR HTA Journal, including the following:

• Magnetic resonance enterography to predict disabling disease in newly diagnosed Crohn's disease based on the METRIC-EF multivariable prediction model and a multicenter diagnostic inception cohort study. The study aimed to improve the prediction of disabling Crohn’s disease within five years of diagnosis by developing and internally evaluating a multivariable prediction model comprising clinical predictors and adding magnetic resonance enterography scores (Magnetic Resonance Enterography Global Score, Simplified Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity, and Lémann Index) and to estimate the healthcare costs incurred within 5 years of Crohn’s disease diagnosis and to explore factors driving costs. It was concluded that adding magnetic resonance enterography scores to a multivariable model comprising existing clinical predictors did not improve the prediction of modified Beaugerie disabling disease. Healthcare costs were increased in those aged under 40 years and patients with perianal and severe endoscopic disease.
• Removal of small fibroids and polyps in patients with infertility and recurrent miscarriage based on the multicenter, pragmatic superiority randomized controlled trial with two concurrent trials. The study aimed to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of hysteroscopic removal of endometrial polyps and submucosal fibroids, compared to no removal, in improving fertility outcomes for participants with infertility or recurrent miscarriage, while also evaluating participant experience and longer-term effects. The HELP Fertility? The trial faced recruitment challenges, enrolling only 35 participants. Due to the small sample size, researchers could not statistically determine any significant difference in live birth rates between surgical intervention and no resection for small fibroids and polyps. 

Other assessments, published in February 2026, focused on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a conservative oxygenation target based on peripheral oxygen saturation compared with peripheral oxygen saturation in critically ill children; the evaluation of paravertebral blockade versus thoracic epidural blockade in reducing chronic post-thoracotomy pain; and Artificial Intelligence technologies for assessing skin lesions.

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