The process of Horizon Scanning (HS) consists in identifying health technologies in the development phase and in the evaluation, often on a prospective or forecast basis, of their possible impact on the National Health Service in clinical and management terms.
The object of evaluation of the Horizon Scanning can also be those technologies already existing, but that could be used with different indications and those technologies in the phase of development with important potential impact on the health. Therefore, while the Health Technology Assessment is based on in-depth analyses that take a long time, the Horizon Scanning, using technologies that are not yet widespread, uses "rapid" evaluations.
These mini-reports presented here are the result of an agreement between the General Directorate of medical devices and the pharmaceutical service of the Ministry of Health and the National HTA Agency (AGENAS).
This activity, which covers a strategic function, aims to favor a governed and coordinated evolution of an advanced health service such as the Italian one. Furthermore, acting as a "sentinel," it seeks to provide guidance to decision makers on the potential and on the possible disadvantages of using new technologies.
In December 2018, two HS were produced:
- Transcatheter mitral annuloplasty for functional mitral regurgitation with Cardioband (#24)
- Echogenic large vein catheter for difficult intravenous access (#23)
Italian Ministry of Health called for public input on these topics; interested parties can provide input until May 25, 2019.
See full news, the explanation on how to provide comments and the reports themselves in Italian here.
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