AHTA - National Horizon Scanning Unit (NHSU) prioritising summaries - 2003
Australia and New Zealand Horizon Scanning Network - Technologies Assessed
The reports below are available in pdf format.
Print versions may be requested by sending an email to the healthpact.secretariat@health.gov.au
December 2003
- Barcoding of medical items and patients to increase patient safety.
- Ultrasound screening for hip dysplasia: a new screening programme for the early detection of hip dysplasia in neonates.
- Thoratec heartmateŽ left ventricular assist device for patients with heart failure who are ineligible for heart transplantation.
- Virtual bronchoscopy: non-invasive CT scanning technique for screening patients with possible tracheobronchial disease or obstruction.
- Virtual colonoscopy: non-invasive CT scanning technique for screening patients with possible bowel disease.
- Intra-operative radiation therapy: applied to women undergoing breast cancer surgery aimed at reducing tumour recurrence.
- Ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for patients undergoing conventional MRI.
- Non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) for routine examination of fetal heart rhythms (PDF 74 KB)
- DNA microarrays: ability of DNA microarrays to predict cancer outcomes.
November 2003
- Paclitaxel-eluting coronary stents to improve coronary artery function and prevent restenosis, following coronary angioplasty (PDF 83 KB)
- Photodynamic therapy: improving survival and quality of life for patients with non-resectable cholangiocarcinoma.
- Public access automated external defibrillators (PAD) for the training of non-medical volunteers to use automatic external defibrillators.
- Population genetic screening for haemochromatosis: identifying asymptomatic "at risk" homozygous individuals.
- PolyhemeŽ and hemopureŽ, blood substitute products: for the provision of emergency, short-term transfusion to trauma patients.
- Blood test for soluble mesothelin-related proteins: used to identify asbestos-exposed individuals who may develop mesothelioma.
- Caffeine breath test: quantitative test of hepatic function.
- Artificial invertebral disc or the replacement of degenerative lumbar or cervical discs in patients suffering disabling, chronic pain.
- Combined PET/CT scanner: enhanced imaging for diagnosing and monitoring patients with cancer (and possibly other indications).
- Capsule endoscopy for the diagnosis of small bowel diseases.Capsule endoscopy for the diagnosis of small bowel diseases (PDF 87 KB)
Reports presented on the Horizon Scanning website are based on information available at the time of research and cannot be expected to cover any developments arising from subsequent improvements to health technologies. The reports are based on a limited literature searches and are not a definitive statement on the safety, effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of the health technology covered. The Commonwealth does not guarantee the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information in the reports presented on this site. The reports are not intended to be used as medical advice and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should they be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for a health professional's advice. The Commonwealth does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information contained within these reports.
Page currency, Latest update: 28 October, 2009
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