Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

524. To ask the Minister for Health the Health Service Executive's position on the provision of community funding for sequential compression biomechanical devices, or art assist devices, to suitable patients; if he will acknowledge the cost-effectiveness of providing the devices for home use and avoiding costly hospital stays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44352/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) conducted a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of intermittent pneumatic compression for severe peripheral arterial disease at the request of the Health Service Executive. This HTA was published on the 26th June 2013.

HIQA's advice to the HSE was that, despite some promising results on the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression in people with severe peripheral vascular disease (who are not suitable for revascularisation), further high quality studies are required to reliably demonstrate its effectiveness. They also advised that until such evidence is generated in the context of well designed research studies, this treatment remains unproven.

Within the Irish healthcare system there has been limited use of intermittent pneumatic compression to treat patients with critical limb ischaemia. Following the publication of this Health Technology Assessment report there will be engagement and discussion with prescribing clinicians regarding the findings of this important report. In the meantime, the HSE will not be reimbursing for the use of this product. The HSE is happy to review its position on completion of any clinical trials prompted by the relevant clinicians.