The “New Methods” framework invited interested parties to submit information regarding microcurrent treatment for anxiety, depression, and sleep problems before August 8, 2023. Ordering Forum will then decide whether the method will undergo evaluation at the national level.

On June 7, 2023, the Innovation Committee at the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) published the overview of thirty-five newly funded healthcare research projects. These projects relate to the two funding announcements of June 27, 2022 (changed on September 20, 2022).

On June 5, 2023, the application window for submitting applications for changes in the Swiss nomenclature of surgical procedures (CHOP), as well as for the SwissDRG system, was open. The deadline for submission of CHOP applications is September 17, while the deadline for SwissDRG submissions is July 17.

In May 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in England released two MedTech-related reports in its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Journal, which endoscopic radiofrequency ablation in malignant biliary obstruction and screening for ovarian cancer. HTA Journal publishes research reports on the effectiveness, costs, and broader impact of health technologies for those who use, manage, and provide care in the NHS and informs National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.

On June 01, 2023, the French National Authority for Health (HAS) announced the start of the application period for the evaluation of procedures and IVD tests to be included in 2024 HAS working program.

n the period of April-May 2023, the Galician Agency for Health Technology Assessment (AVALIA-T) initiated the five health technology assessments referred to IVD, nephrology and urology, obstetrics and gynecology, pulmonary and airways as well as surgical procedures technology groups. The assessments on stereotactic virtual navigation system for percutaneous puncture as well as tumor ablation and invasive telemonitoring of pulmonary pressure in patients with heart failure were released.

In May 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published one new Interventional Procedure Guidance (intramuscular diaphragm stimulation for ventilator-dependent chronic respiratory failure from high spinal cord injuries), two new Diagnostic Guidance (MRI fusion biopsy systems for diagnosing prostate cancer, automated ankle-brachial pressure index measurement devices to detect peripheral arterial disease), and three new Health Technology Evaluations (Digitally enabled therapies for adults with anxiety disorders / with depression, and point-of-care tests for urinary tract infections). Also, four clinical guidelines were updated.

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Lavaste investigated the relationship between primary care provision and the uptake of voluntary private health insurance (VPHI) in Finland. By analyzing the data obtained from the national registry and incorporating data on healthcare provider proximity and reimbursement fees, the study reveals that sociodemographic factors (employment, levels of income and education) and patients’ preference are key factors in VPHI uptake and not the (dis)satisfaction with the care provision in public settings. Furthermore, proximity to private (but not public) healthcare providers supports VPHI uptake.

Director of MTRC Oleg Borisenko participated in the session “Innovative Payment Schemes (IPSs) in Europe: springboard for innovation?” at the Med Tech Forum in Dublin on the 31st of May 2023. The section was moderated by Rachele Busca (Director, HTA and Real-World Evidence, EMEACLA, Edwards Lifesciences) and panelists included Daniel Bamford (Deputy Director, Medtech and Digital, Innovation, Research and Life Sciences, NHS England) and Louisa Stüwe (Ministerial eHealth Delegation, Ministry of Health and Prevention, France). Oleg presented the summary of the report on innovative payment schemes for medical technologies, commissioned in 2022 by the European industry association Med Tech Europe to MTRC. We present a summary of the presentation.

The French National Authority for Health (HAS) released new recommendations about add-on reimbursement of medical devices and medical aids from the meetings of the National Commission for Evaluation of Medical Devices and Health Technologies (CNEDiMTS) in May 2023. Twenty-one recommendations were published in relation to the registration, modification of registration conditions, and renewal of registration for devices in the List of reimbursable products and services (LPPR). Opinions concern cardiovascular and peripheral vascular, endocrine, ENT, gastrointestinal, and orthopedic devices, as well as medical aids.

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Vettoretto et al. conducted a Health Technology Assessment in Italy to evaluate the potential benefits of high-energy devices (HEDs) compared to standard monopolar or bipolar devices in various surgical settings. By using various methods, such as literature review, questionnaires, and health-economic tools, the study found that HEDs could lead to reductions in operating time and length of stay, as well as generate significant organizational savings. The authors highlighted the strategic relevance, economic sustainability, and process improvement potential of HEDs in surgical practice.

In May 2023, NICE announced that the Medtech innovation briefing (MIB) program was discontinued. MIBs were a part of the advice program at NICE commissioned by NHS England in 2014 to support the 5-Year Forward View and accelerate innovations. NICE will now focus on introducing new approaches to evaluating the most promising health technologies.