Norway

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 was released. The method was determined as poorly documented and was not recommended to be introduced as a part of the routine clinical practice.

Two mini-method assessments regarding intraepidermal nerve fiber density in skin biopsy and neurovascular structure-adjacent frozen-section (NeuroSAFE) during robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) were initiated by Oslo University Hospital in December of 2018. All finalized mini-method assessments are published in the National Database for Mini-HTA.

In December of 2018, the completed mini-method assessment for targeted deep sequencing panel for patients with varying types of hematological neoplasia was released by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH). The method was determined as safe and efficient and was recommended to become a part of routine clinical practice.

In October of 2018, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) has published a single technology assessment regarding the external ultrasound stimulation - Exogen™ in the treatment of femoral or tibial non-union. The objective of the assessment was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and health economic documentation for EXOGEN™ compared to surgical treatment for the management of patients with non-union of a fracture. The results have shown that the present documentation does not give evidence to assess the clinical or cost-effectiveness of EXOGEN™ for the treatment of non-union fractures compared to surgery.

Two mini-method assessments regarding the magnetic technology (Magseed) for labeling non-palpable breast lesions and robotic-assisted minimally invasive harvesting of muscle patches for reconstructive surgery were initiated in Norway this October of 2018. All finalized mini-method assessments are published in the National Database for Mini-HTA.

On the 14th of August of 2018, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) has published a health technology assessment report in relation to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) comparing with standard treatment for patients with systemic sclerosis. The results have shown that the transplant‐related mortality after AHSCT is high, but risk of organ failure and death is lower after two years follow‐up and beyond compared to standard treatment, AHSCT provides a significant improvement of skin involvement and lung function measured by forced vital capacity compared to standard treatment with cyclophosphamide injections.

Three mini-method assessments regarding the magnetic non-radioactive detection system SentiMag Sienna + of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer, cough reflex testing and emergency targeted ultrasound implementation were initiated by Oslo University Hospital in June of 2018. All finalized mini-method assessments are published in the National Database for Mini-HTA.

In June of 2018, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) has published a single technology assessment regarding the MicraTM Transcatheter Pacing System (Micra TPS) - a leadless pacemaker produced by Medtronic to reduce the rate of complications following pacemaker implantations through design and novel technology. The objective of the assessment was to investigate the clinical efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness of Micra TPS in patients indicated for single chamber ventricular pacemaker implantation. The results have shown that the current evidence is not sufficient to prove that the Micra TPS gives less complications than standard pacemakers, also the use of Micra appeared not to be cost-effective.

On the 14th of May of 2018, Norwegian RHF Decision Forum (Beslutningsforum) has recommended usage of the Flash Glucose Monitoring system - Freestyle Libre for the treatment and follow-up of children (less than 18 years) with type 1 diabetes and other types of diabetes.

Two mini-method assessments regarding brachytherapy for esophageal cancer and targeted gene deep-sequencing panels were initiated by Oslo University Hospital in May of 2018. All finalized mini-method assessments are published in the National Database for Mini-HTA.

Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) conducted a full health technology assessment (HTA) of Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) using 177Luthetium (177Lu-PRRT) on the request from payers (“New methods” framework for introduction of innovations in Norway).

Remote follow-up for chronically ill patients is included in a new trial that will start in Norway in autumn 2018. Six municipal cooperation projects received grants to participate in this trial in collaboration with the National Welfare Technology Program (Nasjonalt velferdsteknologiprogram).