Emerging health technologies: informing and supporting health policy early

All western healthcare systems are confronted with a rising number of new health technologies. To support decision-making processes with sound information about new health technologies, some countries have established "Horizon Scanning Systems (HSS)". This paper gives an overview of processes and practices of HSS.

The paper is based on a literature review (Medline and Embase) and on unpublished information gathered from HSS-agencies.

The 13 current HSS have been collaborating in the EuroScan network since 1999. EuroScan has agreed on a common terminology, classification and understanding of their activities. All their activities consist of 5 sequenced main components: identification and filtering, prioritization, early assessment, dissemination and monitoring the assessed technologies. Although there is a common understanding with regard to function and processes there are some differences in the scope of the national/regional HSS.

EuroScan has played an important role in the harmonization process so that effective collaboration, reduction of duplication and the further development of procedures have become possible. Because of the common understanding there is a certain stability and integration across the functions of HSS. Nonetheless there are some obvious "blank spots" susceptible to subjectivity, such as an implicit prioritization process.