Horizon-scanning (HS) is a forecasting method used to examine signs of change. HS methods used for the identification of innovative medicinal products cannot be applied in MedTech due to their development and regulatory processes. HS is a complex and time-consuming process that requires a range of skills and a depth of knowledge for the identification, interpretation, and filtration of relevant signals.
This literature review aims to identify forecasting methodologies applied to MedTech. Database and grey literature searches identified 8,888 records. After deduplication, manual and automated title screening, abstracts and full-text, forty-nine papers met the inclusion criteria and were data extracted.
Twenty-five different methods were identified, often used in combination. Time horizon was variable and not often justified. Few studies used text mining or artificial intelligence solutions. Some studies regarded experts as both a source and a method. Medical devices were most scanned for, followed by diagnostics and digital applications. This literature review identified three novel methods.
This review revealed inconsistency in methods reporting. Greater transparency in methods reporting would contribute to increased output quality and accurate decision-making.