Norway

In September 2020, a completed mini-method assessment for the MitraClip for percutaneous mitral valve repair was issued within the New Methods framework. The Oslo University Hospital carried out the evaluation. The method was recommended for routine use in hospitals.

MTRC has summarized the most important DRG changes in Norway, which came in force in 2020. This includes five new DRGs, one deleted DRG, changes in the titles of four DRGs and other changes.

In Norway, the mini-HTA for Tendyne Mitral Valve System designed for transapical implantation within the native mitral valve without the need for open-heart surgery and concomitant surgical removal of the failed native valve was released at the end of January 2020. The method was determined as efficient and safe. It was recommended to be introduced as part of the clinical routine in the hospital.

At the end of January 2020, the Decision Forum rejected Focal Impulse and Rotor Mapping ablation approach and workstation RhytmView for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and ex-situ perfusion platform for organ preservation after the brain death of the donor due to its insufficient efficacy evidence.

In Norway, the mini-HTA for Localizer™ wire-free guidance system designed to mark and guide to non-palpable breast lesions was released at the end of January 2020. The method was determined as efficient and safe. It was recommended to be introduced as part of the clinical routine in the hospital.

Norway established in 2013 a framework “New Method” for the introduction of innovations into the health care system through either a national or hospital-based health technology assessment. In this framework, all innovations should undergo HTA before being funded. In January 2020, four new mini-HTA projects of medical technologies were launched in Norway: robotic-assisted procedures, ear reconstruction, continuous electroencephalography, among others.

In December 2019, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health released an HTA report regarding the effectiveness of uterine fibroids treatment commissioned by the Centre for joint decision-making to summarize the findings regarding this method. Embolization probably reduces the time that is needed to get back to the activity in comparison to myomectomy and hysterectomy.

In November 2019, the two new mini-method assessments for ankyloglossia and rapid testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea were initiated by Oslo University. After the completion of the assessment procedure, the final reports would be available via a mini-HTA database.

In Norway, the mini-HTA for intraepidermal nerve fiber density in skin biopsy was released in September 2019. The method was determined as efficient and safe. It was recommended to be introduced as part of the clinical routine in the hospital with a two-year follow-up to get enough data regarding the diagnostic volume and financial aspects.

In August 2019, the Decision Forum conducted the meeting towards the funding decisions for new methods, where concluded that prehospital CT ("stroke ambulance") for early diagnosis and treatment of suspected stroke can be used within the framework of controlled studies with a sufficient number of patients. The protocol of the Decision Forum meeting was released on the website of the New Method.

In August 2019, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health has released an HTA report regarding the effectiveness of treatment for localized prostate cancer commissioned by the Centre for joint decision-making to summarize the findings regarding this method. The effectiveness of the several treatment methods is unknown due to the lack of evidence. There is little or no difference in survival after radical prostatectomy compared to low-dose-rate brachytherapy.

In August 2019, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) has released a single technology assessment report for molecular profiling panel – Prosigna aimed to investigate its prognostic accuracy, clinical and cost-effectiveness in patients with breast cancer. It was outlined that it is uncertain to what extent Prosigna contributes prognostic information that turns into better clinical results; conclusions about the cost-effectiveness of Prosigna cannot be made due to the lack of existing information.