In 2013, Norway established 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.
Bronchial thermoplasty for treating severe refractory asthma has been evaluated within the "New Methods" framework since 2016. Thermoplasty procedure performed bronchoscopically using thermal energy delivered to the airway walls to reduce smooth muscle that narrows the airways in patients with asthma. In July 2021, the method assessment phase was completed, and the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) report was published.
On September 27, 2021, the Decision Forum for New Methods decided not to introduce bronchial thermoplasty as a routine treatment of patients with severe asthma. It was concluded that the current documentation is not sufficient to support the use of bronchial thermoplastics in routine clinical practice, and further research is needed. The method should only be used within clinical trials.
See more information in Norwegian here.
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