Sweden

The test for severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCID) is part of neonatal screening since July 1, 2019, in Germany. At the beginning of July 2019, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) has stated that health care should offer screening for the severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) as approximately two or three children per each year can be diagnosed and treated for the fatal disease with the test available.

The HTA center of Swedish Västra Götaland region has published a report for the impact of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) on complications and results of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR). PMRT compared with no radiotherapy (RT) results in a clinically significant increase of implant or tissue expander loss in patients undergoing IBR with moderate certainty of evidence. Other findings (decrease in patient satisfaction, an increase of re-operations or capsular contracture rate increase) gained low certainty of evidence.

In June 2019, the Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency (TLV) has published a completed health economic evaluation regarding the cost-effectiveness of the comprehensive genomic profiling test for all solid tumors FoundationOne CDx. TLV believes that in most cases, the use of FoundationOne CDx is more expensive in comparison to current treatment methods. However, it has greater sensitivity and accuracy in the diagnostics.

In Sweden, Skåne Region develops knowledge base and prepares questions for decisions on the introduction of evidence-based health and medical care throughout Region Skåne. In May of 2019, there are two ongoing projects for fast track for rapid diagnostic for giant cell arteritis and the impact of daily rhythm lighting on patients in psychiatric full-time care. The final reports are going to be published at the web-site of Skåne Region.

In Sweden, the Priority Council of Skåne Region prepares and presents suggestions for new methods, routines, and treatments, to be included in the healthcare system. In April 2019, the HTA report for thrombectomy 6 to 24 hours after stroke was released. The health economic analysis showed that the use of thrombectomy during extended time frames is expected to be cost-saving in a socio-economic perspective and increases patient benefit measured in terms of won quality-adjusted life years.

The HTA center of Swedish Västra Götaland region has published a report, which aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of EEG-based neurofeedback as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is uncertain whether the procedure compared with no or standard treatment reduces PTSD symptoms in adult patients. It is also uncertain whether the treatment results in any difference in suicidal thoughts, level of functioning, or medication use.

In Sweden, the Centre for Assessment of Medical Technology (CAMTÖ) leads the development of HTA cooperation in healthcare region Uppsala-Örebro. Currently, CAMTÖ is working on several assessments related to the medical devices and technologies such as equipment for 3D Printing, robot Intuitive daVinci Xi etc. After the completion of assessment procedure, the reports will be published at the web-site of Örebro County Council.

More than 50 new DRGs were introduced in the Swedish system in 2019, while two have been deleted. The changes affected nursing care, psychiatry, hospital and day case services of different major disease categories. Important changes relate to cardiac ablation, placement of neurostimulator.

In October of 2018, the Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency (TLV) has published a completed health economic evaluation regarding the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness MiniMed 670G in comparison to MiniMed 640G device. TLV concluded that the use of the MiniMed 670G can increase the patients’ quality of life due to reduced concern for hypoglycemia, increased comfort, fewer complications and also lead to potential cost benefits.

In July of 2018, the Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency (Tandvårds-Läkemedelförmånsverket, TLV) has updated the product group codes for consumables for better understanding the range of the products. Editorial changes to the codes' descriptions were implemented. Seven new groups for stomach products, plates and bags of different types, which are especially intended for children have been included in the classification.

At the end of June of 2018, the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialtyrelsen) has published an updated version of the National clinical guidelines for heart care. The review was conducted for the inclusion of few updated recommendations regarding the management of the coronary heart disease, valvulopathy and arrhythmia.

On the 5th of June of 2018, Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefit Agency (Tandvårds- och läkemedelsförmånsverket, TLV) has published a decision regarding inclusion of number of Verifine blood lancets produced by Mediq Sverige AB for diabetic patients to monitor the blood glucose levels into the list of pharmaceutical benefits with the price of SEK 23 per package.