Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 July 2013
242. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health his plans regarding funding for the provision of art assist devices for persons with peripheral arterial disease in view of the fact that this type of therapy is currently not covered by the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33689/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) conducted a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) for severe peripheral arterial disease at the request of the Health Service Executive (HSE). This HTA was published on the 26th of June 2013. Arising from the findings of the HTA, HIQA’s advice to the HSE was that, despite some promising results on the effect of IPC 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, the efficacy of this treatment remains unproven.
Within the Irish healthcare system there has been limited use of IPC to treat patients with critical limb ischaemia. Following the publication of this HTA report there will be engagement and discussion with prescribing clinicians regarding its findings.
