Mini-HTA for emergency medicine ultrasound in Norway

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 July 2019, a completed mini-method assessment for emergency medicine ultrasound in patients with urgent medical conditions was released. The following conclusions were provided:

• The good level of efficacy was shown by the method in comparison with non-ultrasound clinical examination: its faster and more precise diagnostics was outlined
• The method was determined as safe. It was sufficiently clarified that the method does not bring greater risk to the patient in comparison with current practice
• The method should be introduced as part of the clinical routine in the hospital
• The structured education and guidance are recommended in hospitals, but the exact requirements for monitoring are not provided as this is based individually on resources, competencies, and logistics of each facility

Initially, the mini-method assessment was initiated in June 2018 by Akershus University Hospital.

See the full details in Norwegian here.

Subscribe to our newsletter delivered every second week not to miss important reimbursement information.