Horizon scanning is a process or system which seeks to systematically and proactively identify current, new, and emerging health technologies with the potential to significantly impact patients, other stakeholders and the healthcare system. The horizon scanning process may cover a range of technologies including medicines, medical devices, vaccines, tests, diagnostics, and models of care. It aims to facilitate timely, forward-looking decision-making, increasing patient access to new emerging technologies, and improve patient health outcomes.
Internationally, horizon scanning is an established and growing practice, operating in the UK, Europe, Canada, the USA, and Singapore. Over the last few years, healthcare system reform processes in Australia have led to a national commitment between government and the pharmaceutical industry to conduct an annual horizon scanning forum. In recent times, New Zealand’s healthcare system has experienced significant changes. These including new health policy settings and priorities; structural, organisational, and planning changes; changes to healthcare intervention funding including decision-making processes, and an increasing emphasis on ensuring needs-based access to the healthcare system and health outcomes. However, New Zealand does not currently have a formalised, coordinated healthcare horizon scanning system.
“Horizon Scanning in the New Zealand Health System” was commissioned by Medicines New Zealand and represents Biointelect’s second paper outlining the case for national health technology horizon scanning systems following, “Strengthening Australia’s Approach to Horizon Scanning for New Therapies”, released in 2022.
This report introduces the concept of healthcare system horizon scanning and puts forward the case for establishing a holistic horizon scanning function in New Zealand, ‘shining a light’ on how horizon scanning can benefit the New Zealand healthcare system, patients, and broader New Zealand society. Having outlined horizon scanning’s potential, the report proposes key principles any New Zealand horizon scanning function should be based on. The report closes by outlining potential next steps that could be taken towards the development of a horizon scanning function.
