Funding

On April 25, 2022, the Decision Forum for "New Method" did not prioritize any surgical procedure in the treatment of morbid obesity. Available evidence in the complete method assessment shows minor or no difference in weight loss, diabetes control, or health-related quality of life when using various surgical procedures. The comparative effect on the risk of early mortality, progression of obesity, and obesity-related comorbidities was not possible to determine. The cost differences are non-significant. Further research was recommended.

A new test called Genedrive System to detect babies at risk of gentamycin-related deafness was developed at the University of Manchester, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). On April 02, 2022, NHS England and NHS Improvement announced that Genedrive is now fully CE certified to be used in a clinical setting. The test is expected to be implemented in routine care in all NHS Manchester Foundation Trust hospitals within several weeks.

On April 12, 2022, NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE/I) published 2022/23 priorities and operational planning guidance, including elective recovery planning supporting guidance, capital guidance for 2022-25, and revenue finance and contracting guidance. The 2022/23 priorities and operational planning guidance set out NHSE/I priorities for the year ahead and reconfirms the ongoing need to restore services, meet new care demands, and reduce the care backlogs that are a direct consequence of the pandemic.

On April 11, 2022, the Swedish Medical Technologies Product (MTP) Council released recommendations on devices for diagnosing atrial fibrillation via self-recording of electrocardiogram evaluated within the Orderly Introduction framework since 2020. MTP Council outlined that Coala Heart Monitor and Zenicor ECG could be used in certain types of patients only, whereas KardiaMobile, CardioMem CM 100 XT, and PhysioMem should be refrained from use.

On March 16, 2022, the Swedish Medical Technologies Product (MTP) Council released recommendations for SpaceOAR Hydrogel and Barrigel used to reduce the side effects of radiotherapy in prostate cancer. MTP Council recommended the regions wait with the use of technologies until more knowledge is available or use them only within the clinical trials.

In late January 2022, Swedish Medical Technologies Product (MTP) Council issued an updated version of recommendations regarding gene expression analysis for decision-making on the adjuvant breast cancer treatment, initially published in November 2021. The recommendation to the regions remains the same. The changes were only concerned with the clarification of some facts.

In February 2022, Swedish Medical Technologies Product (MTP) Council issued an updated recommendation on FreeStyle Libre for continuous glucose monitoring in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The initial recommendations were published by NT Council in 2018 and updated by MTP Council in 2020 to include FreeStyle Libre 2. In the 2022 update, MTP Council decreased the Hba1c limit from 70 to 60 mmol/mol and added a statement on lifestyle changes and treatment optimization with non-insulin antidiabetic drugs.

On February 07, 2022, the Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency has announced the withdrawal of the assessments of the PhysioMem PM 100 and CardioMem CM 100 XT and the finalization of the assessments of the Zenicor ECG, Coala Heart Monitor Pro, and KardiaMobile. For the conducted assessments, it was outlined that the portable devices provide more limited information than standard ECG measurements; therefore, it was mainly estimated for atrial fibrillation.

At the end of February 2022, the Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency (TLV) has launched a theme survey on products for monitoring and diagnostics of sepsis to identify products that may be relevant for health economic assessments at TLV. The suggestions for the products of interest, ongoing clinical studies, or innovation projects could be received until 23 March 2022.

The "New Method" is currently developing criteria for which methods other than drugs shall be prioritized for assessment within the framework at the national or local levels. On January 17, 2022, the project status was presented at the Ordering Forum for "New Method." It was reported that the project would require more resources and time than initially thought.

On December 16, 2021, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) announced the start of the procedure concerning a co-funded study in accordance with §137e of the Social Code Book V (SGB V) for a low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for the treatment of pseudarthroses.

In December 2021, the Swedish Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency (TLV) finished the theme survey in the obstructive pulmonary diseases field, which was conducted as a part of the Orderly Introduction for Medical Technologies framework. Identified technologies could potentially be included in the Orderly Introduction of Medical Technologies framework, which aims to facilitate the introduction of novel technologies on the national level.