Mini-HTA for decompression due to entrapment neuralgia for patients with chronic pain

Norway established in 2013 a framework for the introduction of innovations into the health care system through either a national or hospital-based health technology assessment. This framework is called the “New Method.”

In this framework, all innovations should undergo HTA before being funded. If the method concerns only one or two hospitals, the assessment shall be initiated by clinicians and ran at the hospital level. The final report is disseminated via a mini-HTA database. If the method is of national concern, it undergoes Single Technology Appraisal at national level followed by the funding decision by the group of payers (Decision Forum, Beslutningsforum).

In November of 2018, the completed mini method assessment for decompression due to entrapment neuralgia for patients with chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, and head initiated by Stavanger University Hospital was released.

The following conclusions were provided:

• Due to the lack of comparison, the treatment method was not determined as safe and efficient
• Although there are some positive individual treatment cases in contrast to the absence of treatment, and no serious adverse events or complications were registered, the method is obviously poorly documented and was considered only as an experimental one
• The method was not recommended to be introduced as a part of the routine clinical practice for now

See the main results of the assessments in Norwegian here.

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