gms | German Medical Science

Objective: Horizon scanning is used to identify health technologies in development. Early awareness can be beneficial to healthcare organisations involved in planning and decision-making to allow seamless integration of innovative health technologies in complex care systems.

Forming a complete picture of potential upcoming events involves identification followed by a systematic assessment? And triangulation of information from multiple reliable sources. Horizon scanning methodologies vary and are dictated by the nature of stakeholder need. The NIHR Innovation Observatory (IO) applies combinations of HORIZON SCANNING methodologies to identify health technologies (medicines or medtech); our approaches integrate big data analytics, machine learning, text-mining, active monitoring and industry engagement. This enables proactive ongoing awareness of clinical developments and potential regulatory plans of emerging health technologies.

Description: This workshop will cover developing and using horizon scanning processes, from discovery and monitoring to prioritisation and early notification to stakeholders.

The workshop will cover the following:

• Horizon scanning definition and importance – how it is defined across different disciplines and how the process supports the system
• Elements for horizon scanning process – describe the purpose, scope and time frames of a horizon scan
• Sources for identifying innovative technologies(medicines, devices, diagnostics and digital) – trial registers, news sources, regulatory authorities
• Dissemination of information – tools and frequency of outputs
• Case study medicines
• Case study medtech
• Activity – participants will identify relevant sources, run searches and collate information

This workshop will benefit participants involved in using horizon scanning for local/national planning and wider healthcare commissioning. The workshop will employ question-based discussions and interactive polling using vevox and an opportunity to use the information gained and gauge their understanding.

Outcomes: Following the workshop, participants will have enhanced awareness of proactive and reactive horizon scanning methods and processes, enabling informed decision making around use of horizon scanning.