Pre-conference workshop led by EuroScan at HTAi 2010
21st April 2010
A pre-conference workshop – Maximising the Value of HTA – the Contribution of Early Awareness and Alert Systems -was delivered by EuroScan at HTAi 2010 in Dublin
Early awareness and alert systems (EAAS) also known as horizon scanning or early warning systems have been implemented in many countries to aid decision making and to plan for the impact of new and emerging health technologies on health care systems. In 2009, EuroScan – International Network launched a toolkit for the identification and assessment of such technologies.
All member agencies of EuroScan contributed to the toolkit to ensure that different health care systems, contexts and methods were represented. The collaborative approach resulted in a document covering all aspects of EAA processes as well as presenting key questions and offering possible solutions. The toolkit was constructed on the basis of “one size doesn’t fit all”, utilising the heterogeneity of its members.
The workshop presented the toolkit and the key stages involved in EAA systems:
- Establishing an EAA system – determining needs of the customer
- Identification of new and emerging health technologies – sources and collaboration
- Filtration and prioritisation of new and emerging health technologies – developing criteria
- Assessment and prediction of impact – information needs and the dilemma’s of early information
- Dissemination – approaches used by EuroScan members
Practical examples from EuroScan member agencies were presented and published research on methods and recent developments drawn upon. There were interactive exercises focusing on the filtration and prioritisation of important technologies, and early assessment. The workshop concluded with a panel led discussion session on the contribution of EAASs to HTA. All participants received a copy of the EuroScan toolkit.
This workshop was led and facilitated by members of the EuroScan International Network.