Health technology assessment

KCE is working now on development of research program for 2018 and proposals for research topics can be submitted by filling in an online form until 6 September, 2017. Proposal can also be submitted by the industry.

Assessments were directed by national HTA body AGENAS. They cover renal denervation for hypertension, next generation sequencing in oncology, robotic surgery, sling operation for urinary incontinence and vertebral disc replacement.

An assessment was initiated earlier this year on the request from Dutch Hypertension Society and umbrella organization of 9 health insurance companies Zorgverzekeraars Nederland. The Institute will evaluate compliance of baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) for treatment of resistant hypertension with the state of science and practice.

The deadline for acceptance of applications for conditional reimbursement in 2019 by the Care Institute Netherlands (Zorginstituut Nederland) is 29th of June 2017. Conditional reimbursement for the period of up to 4 years can be available for promising technologies, which did not meet criteria for “state of science and practice” in the assessments of Zorginstituut Nederland.

In first two weeks of June National Institute for Health and Care Excellence published two Medtech Innovation Briefings (Neo Pedicle Screw System for spinal fusion surgery and device for securing cerebrospinal fluid drainage catheters) and updated two clinical guidelines for head injury and spondyloarthritis in adults.

In May 2017, CNEDiMTS at the National Authority for Health (HAS) issued positive assessment of Urolift for add-on reimbursement via LPPR list. Added value was found to be minor in comparison with transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). This assessment provides better results compared to the earlier one in January 2017. Add-on reimbursement might be established within about one year period.

HAS published updated program that defines priority areas of work for 2017, including evidence review as part of developing new procedure codes for robotic surgery, endoscopic procedures, and technology assessments of remote monitoring, dialysis, coronary stents and others.

In second two weeks of May, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has published two Medtech Innovation Briefings (collagen paste for anal fistulae and portable pulse‑echo ultrasound device to assist diagnosis of osteoporosis) one Interventional Procedure Guidance for endoscopic full thickness removal of non-lifting colonic polyps.

French National Authority for Health (HAS) released new decisions about add-on and medical aid reimbursement of 9 medical devices from the meetings of the National Commission for Evaluation of Medical Devices and Health Technologies (CNEDiMTS) in May and April. Among others decision included MRI compatible and recharge free spinal cord stimulation devices, resorbable plates for osteosynthesis.

The Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWIG) published final report of evaluation of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with heel. Results demonstrated benefit of the extracorporeal treatment in comparison with placebo, ultrasound and iontophoresis.

An updated form for notification of medical technology to Italian national health technology assessment program has been released in May. Any stakeholder, including industry, can make notification, which will be reviewed and prioritize every six months.