More and more software programs, including those with medical device status, are coming into the market that aim to facilitate management of diabetic patients. In France, their coverage requires a positive opinion from the French National Health Agency (HAS) dedicated committee. To understand the utility of these products for patients, real-life experiments are in progress. Since the evaluation principles are similar for all medical devices, it was important to find out with this first connected software if specific methods or evaluation criteria are necessary.

After obtaining CE marking, the manufacturer submitted a dossier to HAS outlining the clinical data and technical performance of the software. HAS assessed the dossier and the opinion of stakeholders (i.e. professionals and patient associations) in order to determine the actual clinical benefit of this software. At the same time, HAS set technical features in particular to secure patient data and limit access to only those involved in telemonitoring. Terms of prescription and use of this connected software had also been defined.

Two feasibility studies and one randomized controlled trial were analyzed. Specific clinical data demonstrated that the risk-benefit balance was positive in type 1 diabetic patients.

In addition to the need to keep personal data confidential and to integrate the technology in the organization of healthcare, this assessment shows that randomized clinical trials are feasible and necessary to demonstrate the clinical benefit of connected software; however, specificities exist regarding data collection methods and the scope of healthcare organization that should be taken into account. A specific guide to connected medical devices for industry has been developed by HAS to help them build their application dossier for reimbursement. The second step for HAS is to develop guidelines on the specificities of the assessment of these connected devices.