HT_16Solution to introduce new medical technologies to potential patients

PROBLEM IN ONE SENTENCE: 

Information about new medical technologies does not reach the patients who would need this info or use these new technologies.

HOW BIG IS THE PROBLEM: 

New medical technologies/products that have reached already III phase of clinical trials are under development in whole world. There are many patients who don’t have classical treatment choices any more but it is sometimes very hard for them to find alternatives because in this phase there is no information or communication targeting possible patients. Even if information exists, it is very difficult to understand or interpret it. Doctors have limited time to research new technologies that are not reimbursed or at least not in wide practice somewhere else. 

WHO’S PROBLEM IS IT: 

Patients are often left alone with their problem – well known technology does not help but it is difficult to find trusted information about new medical technologies available. 

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS: 

For example, there are databases for clinical trials of medicines, but these are country based and meant for professionals. There is no available systematic information regarding other health care technologies. The solution should not be country nor company based but coordinated by an independent qualified organization who has good clinical competence in order to structure the information and provide it to the patients in reliable but simple enough way.  

POSSIBLE LIMITATIONS: 

Health technology is often highly regulated area because it involves risks to health. These risks should me managed properly by informing the patients clearly what the level of evidence is and what the risks related to the products in innovation phase are.