Medtech Magazine: Delayed Comparison of Assistive Technology Costs

Socialstyrelsen's planned comparison of assistive technology costs across Sweden has been suspended due to data inaccuracies, according to Medtech Magazine. The agency acknowledged significant errors and inconsistencies within the collected data, rendering a reliable cost overview unattainable. Medtech Magazine's investigation revealed discrepancies between reported figures and actual municipal fee structures. Socialstyrelsen confirmed the data's disparate nature and difficulty in interpretation. Consequently, the agency has temporarily halted cost-related data collection to develop a more robust and quality-assured model. Initiated in 2021, the project aimed to provide the first national overview of cost variations, promoting equitable access to assistive technology. Data collection regarding device volume and usage will proceed as originally scheduled.