Methods

Each EuroScan member agency is unique in the way it approaches its work but all have a common goal of informing their customers about new and emerging health technologies that may have a significant impact on their health system. In November 2007, the collaboration decided to develop a methods toolkit to summarise the various approaches employed to achieve this goal and to provide valuable information to agencies interested in establishing, or improving an existing, early awareness and alert system (EAAS).

All members of EuroScan contributed to the content of the toolkit to ensure that different health care systems, contexts and methods have been represented. A first draft was proposed by one of the members followed by 4 rounds at which 3-4 members were given the opportunity to add to or comment on previous versions. The final document was reviewed by all members.

The toolkit resulting from the consultative process incorporates guidance on all of the the following stages involved in an EAAS:

• identifying the market;
• determining the time horizon;
• identification, filtration, prioritization and assessment of health technologies;
• dissemination of the information and
• updating the information.

The collaborative approach has resulted in an end product covering all aspects of EASS processes as well as presenting key questions and offering possible solutions. The toolkit has been constructed on the basis of “one size doesn’t fit all”, as it was constructed utilising the heterogeneity of its members.