Information for health services/hospitals

In 2009-10 the Department of Human Services (the department) continues to strengthen its approach to the introduction and use of new health technologies and clinical practices in public health services through:

• Revising the role, function and governance of the Victorian Policy Advisory Committee on Technology (VPACT). Established in 2004, VPACT advises the department on the identification, assessment, introduction, monitoring and evaluation of new health technology.
• Funding of $9 million for new and existing health technology initiatives
• Reviewing existing, and developing new, processes that inform decision-making around investment in, and evaluation of, new health technology.

Health technology comprises prostheses, implantable devices, diagnostic tests, medical and surgical procedures and high cost pharmaceuticals.
Further information about the revised role, function, governance and membership of VPACT can be found on the VPACT page.
In 2009-10, the following new initiatives will be funded:

• Direct diaphragmatic pacing to improve quality of life in ventilator-dependent patients (Austin Health)
• GreenLight™ laser to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment (Southern Health)
• Transient tissue elastography (‘Fibroscan’) for non-invasive and improved diagnosis of liver disease (The Alfred, Southern, St Vincent’s, Austin Health)
• Gated Radiotherapy to deliver radiotherapy synchronised with respiration (The Alfred)
• Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry for refined detection of blood immunosuppressant levels in transplant recipients (The Alfred)
• Free light chain/high cut-off protein dialysis membrane for multiple myeloma patients with acute renal failure (Melbourne, St Vincent’s, Southern, Barwon, Alfred Health).

In 2008-09, the following new initiatives were funded, most of which will continue to receive funding in 2009-10:

• ABO blood group incompatible kidney transplantation for end-stage kidney disease (Monash Medical Centre; MMC)
• Halo 360 & Halo 90 radiofrequency ablation for Dysplastic Barrett's Mucosa (Royal Melbourne Hospital & St. Vincent’s Hospital)
• LDL apheresis for Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (Austin Hospital)
• 320 slice cardiac CT (MMC)
• MRI-guided ultrasound for uterine fibroids (Royal Women’s Hospital).

In 2009-10, the department will also undertake activities arising from the May 2009 Review of the Victorian Policy Advisory Committee on Clinical Practice and Technology, the March 2009 New Technology Committee Workshop and the March 2007 Future direction for health technology uptake, diffusion and disinvestment in Victorian public health services workshop.  Activities include:

• Implementing a statewide health technology strategy
• Strengthening the role, function and governance of VPACT
• Developing and implementing a transparent recruitment process for VPACT Chair and members
• Improving the New Technology Program funding submission process, specifically including an Expression of Interest step to minimise health service effort in preparing submissions and to better inform short-listing by VPACT
• Evaluating the clinical and cost effectiveness of funded health technology items
• Investigating opportunities around disinvesting health technologies that offer little or no health gain
• Investigating opportunities to develop processes for information exchange between the department and metropolitan and regional health service new technology committees.

These activities will be undertaken in consultation with health services and other relevant stakeholders.
The submission proforma can be downloaded from
www.health.vic.gov.au/newtech/funding.htm.

Enquiries

Enquiries about the New Technology Programs can be directed to Siegi Schmidmaier on phone 9096 1296 or email siegi.schmidmaier@dhs.vic.gov.au.