Horizon scanning

The systematic identification of health technologies that are new, emerging or becoming obsolete and that have the potential to effect health, health services and/or society.

An emerging health technology in this context is a health technology that has not yet been adopted within the healthcare system. Pharmaceuticals are in the Phase II or III clinical trial, or pre-launch stage; medical devices are in the pre-marketing stage.

A new health technology is a health technology that is in the launch, early post-marketing, or early diffusion stages.

Horizon scanning systems (e.g. early awareness and alert (EAA) systems) aim to support decision-making and the adoption and use of innovative technologies to the benefit of patients and health services.

Last update: 20 June 2023

Source: PPRI