Evaluation criteria to assess the value of identification sources for horizon scanning.
OBJECTIVE
The English National Horizon Scanning Centre routinely scans thirty-five sources to identify new and emerging health technologies. The aim of the study was to develop and apply evaluation criteria and scores to assess the value of sources, and to identify a cutoff score below which sources would be recommended for removal from routine horizon scanning. Criteria to evaluate each source scanned could result in a more efficient approach in the selection process.


METHODS
Evaluation criteria were developed following a review of the literature and discussions with horizon analysts. Proposed criteria were piloted on a random selection of six sources, and then applied to all thirty-five sources. The criteria were assessed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process.


RESULTS
Eight criteria were identified as being most relevant for assessing the value of scanning sources. The three most important (primary) criteria were coverage (approximate percentage of relevant information), quality (reliable, accurate, objective), and efficiency (estimated time to identify one potentially significant health technology or other relevant information). Seven sources fell beneath the cutoff score and were recommended for removal from routine scanning.


CONCLUSIONS
The criteria were considered useful in the assessment of current sources, and have the potential to be used to assess new ones. These criteria may be useful for other horizon scanning centers to pilot and validate.
Smith
Joanna
J
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. j.l.j.smith@bham.ac.uk
Cook
Alison
A
Packer
Claire
C
D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D020407:Internet; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000639:trends*