Analysis of the post-incorporation period of health technologies incorporated into the SUS, from 2012 to 2022.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the time elapsed in the post-incorporation process of procedures, orthoses, prostheses, and special materials, with a focus on compliance with the legal deadline of 180 days established for the provision of the technology. METHODS: The analysis was conducted with procedures and orthoses, prostheses, and special materials recommended for incorporation by the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies from 2012 to 2022, and the technology identification code created in the Management System for the Table of Procedures, Medicines, Orthoses, Prostheses and Special Materials of the Brazilian Unified Health System, after incorporation. For the technologies identified, we calculated the median periods (Q1-Q3) of the days elapsed during the incorporation and post-incorporation periods. In addition, the proportion of technologies offered according to the legal deadline was verified, and the influence of variables on the post-incorporation period was analyzed. RESULTS: Among 41 reports on procedures, orthoses, prostheses, and special selected materials, 79 technologies were analyzed. The coding period, defined as the benchmark for the supply of the technology, had a median of 204 (57-425) days. This period was longer than 180 days in 64% of the technologies assessed. Variables such as the organization group to which the technology belongs, indication of the need to adapt for implementation in the incorporation report, and delay in the evaluation period for incorporation seem to influence the period for providing the technology. CONCLUSIONS: The effective provision of technologies incorporated into the health system in Brazil has not occurred within the expected period of 180 days in most cases, which limits their accessibility to the population. Anticipating the need for adaptation before implementation, even during incorporation, seems to be a way of reducing the post-incorporation period.