Mapping horizon scanning systems for medical devices: similarities, differences, and lessons learned

Area of Science:

• Health Technology Assessment
• Medical Device Innovation
• Foresight Methodologies

Background:

• Horizon scanning systems (HSS) are crucial for anticipating future trends in medical devices.
• The International Horizon Scanning Initiative (IHSI) Medical Devices Working Group (MDWG) conducted a mapping exercise of existing HSS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map existing horizon scanning systems (HSS) for medical devices.
• To identify similarities, differences, and lessons learned from these systems.
• To inform the development of a proposal for an IHSI HSS for medical devices.

Main Methods:

• Literature searches and EuroScan member overviews were used to identify potential HSS.
• Input from IHSI MDWG members was incorporated.
• Structured information was collected from organizations with established HSS for medical devices.

Main Results:

• Sixteen HSS initiatives were identified, with 11 currently active.
• HSS purposes vary from trend awareness to decision-making for innovative health services.
• Three identification models (reactive, proactive, hybrid) and diverse prioritization/output strategies were observed.
• The typical time-horizon ranges from market entry to three years prior.

Conclusions:

• Horizon scanning for medical devices is resource-intensive, requiring dedicated teams.
• The findings will guide the IHSI MDWG's ongoing work on establishing a new HSS for medical devices.