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Lookup NU author(s): Chizoba OparahORCiD, Patience KunongaORCiD, Claire EastaughORCiD, Dr Gill NormanORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Anticipating and addressing inequalities and/or inequities in access to and outcomes from emerging health technologies is essential for responsive and just health systems. Horizon scanning presents a strategic opportunity to integrate equity and/or equality considerations early in the innovation lifecycle. this scoping review identified and critically synthesised methods for embedding these considerations into healthcare-focused horizon scanning, with particular attention to how acceptability, polypharmacy, and multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) are addressed. Following JBI methodological guidance, we systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, ProQuest, and WHO Global index Medicus up to 24 May 2024 for studies reporting methodological approaches to incorporating equity or equality in horizon scanning. Primary outcomes examined definitions and operationalisation of these concepts, while secondary outcomes assessed how acceptability, polypharmacy, and MLTC were treated. Of 951 records screened, three studies met inclusion criteria. these studies used diverse foresight methodologies across different health system contexts. two adopted an explicit equity lens, addressing structural determinants of health and targeting interventions to population-specific vulnerabilities; one employed a narrower equality framing focused on access without attending to systemic disadvantage. the treatment of acceptability, polypharmacy, and MLTC was limited and inconsistent, highlighting a lack of standardisation in current horizon scanning practices concerning complex, intersecting health needs. Overall, the integration of equity and equality into horizon scanning remains conceptually and practically inconsistent. Future approaches should clearly distinguish between these concepts and use frameworks that uncover structural barriers and support inclusive innovation. strengthening this dimension of horizon scanning is essential for advancing health justice and improving system resilience
Author(s): Oparah CI, Kunonga TP, Eastaugh C, Norman G
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal Of Health Equity
Year: 2025
Volume: 2
Issue: 1
Online publication date: 05/08/2025
Acceptance date: 25/07/2025
Date deposited: 05/08/2025
ISSN (electronic): 2994-4694
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/29944694.2025.2541613
DOI: 10.1080/29944694.2025.2541613
Data Access Statement: All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplemental information
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