Uni offers leading edge health advice
Tuesday, 13 January 2004
The Horizon Scanning Unit in the Department of Public Health of the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ has become the sole government provider of leading edge advice on health technology in Australia and New Zealand through a new network called the Australian Horizon Scanning Network.
Established in December last year and directed by Professor Janet Hiller, Head of Department of Public Health, the Unit provides advice to the Australian Commonwealth, States, Territories and New Zealand Ministry of Health on emerging health technologies, new devices, novel diagnostic tests and procedures.
"It is imperative to evaluate the impact these new and emerging technologies may have on our current health system if introduced," Professor Hiller says.
"New health technologies, procedures or services are often introduced into the health system without warning or in an uncontrolled manner. This can have serious implications on the public health care system including increased costs to patients, lack of trained professionals, and ethical considerations," she says.
The Horizon Scanning Unit is responsible for preparing documents addressing new and emerging technological information. In order for staff at the Department of Public Health to have an international perspective on medical technologies, they are constantly scanning a wide range of media outlets such as the World Wide Web, medical articles, licensed agents, or seeking expert opinion from a range of professionals.
The Horizon Scanning Unit provides 'early warning' to policy makers of emerging technologie