Published mini-health technology assessments in relation to introduction of innovations 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, 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).

Three mini-HTAs were published since beginning of 2017:

• Procalcitonin for diagnostic of bacterial infections (Oslo University Hospital). The method was considered better than current practice for antibiotic control in intensive care units and it was concluded that it can be routinely introduced into the clinical practice
• Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) for the treatment of achalasia (Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen). The method was considered better than current practice and it was concluded that it can be introduced into the clinical practice
• Use of the Prosigna test (PAM50 ROR) for decisions on adjuvant treatment in breast cancer (Oslo University Hospital). The method was considered better than current practice

Based on the process of the "New Method" framework, these positive technology assessments can support introduction of the method in the hospitals, where assessments were performed and in other interested hospitals.