National funding decisions about two medical technologies and one IVD test 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. Selection of methods is performed by the Ordering Forum (Bestillerforum). 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). Decision Forum has regular meetings to review results of assessments to the make funding decisions.

On 24th of April 2017, Decision Forum made decision about introduction of three medical technologies: mechanical thrombectomy for stroke, baroreflex activation therapy for resistant hypertension and non-invasive prenatal testing for detection of trisomy 13, 18 and 21.

The following decisions were made:

• Regions can continue to use mechanical thrombectomy for treatment of stroke
  • Each health region should investigate the organization of the stroke treatment and the prehospital service
  • Currently method is used at five Norwegian hospitals
  • Health regions should coordinate guidelines for mechanical thrombectomy so that there are common leading principles across the regions.
• Baroreflex activation therapy is not recommended for treatment of patients with resistant hypertension
  • Decision will be reassessed in case of new evidence (including patient safety, cost-effectiveness, survival rate, etc.) that can significantly change the results
• Non-invasive prenatal testing for detection of trisomy 13, 18 and 21 is recommended for implementation as a second-line diagnostic
  • This test can be introduced as secondary test and it use should be precisely governed by national guidelines
  • Introduction of this test could take some time to ensure that the National Guidelines are in accordance with the approved indication for use.

Full document can be seen here.

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