Quality
Management
The International Horizon Scanning Initiative (IHSI) is committed to maintaining high-quality, accurate, and transparent pharmaceutical intelligence through a structured Quality Management Framework. This framework is essential to ensuring data integrity, reliability, and compliance with best practices in horizon scanning. The IHSI Quality Management Committee (QMC) oversees the development and refinement of data validation processes, record management, and reporting standards, ensuring that all information is scientifically robust and fit for policymaking purposes.
The IHSI database combines sophisticated automation technology with human curation to optimise data management frameworks and processes. This allows IHSI end users to draw on efficiencies of streamlining and automating data curation. Data integrity is critical to the success of the IHSI project. All data fields in the IHSI database are underpinned by rigorous processes and detailed protocols which have been developed and approved by the QMC. These processes ensure accuracy in the manual and automated data curation process that aligns with, and builds on best practices from National Horizon Scanning Agencies in IHSI member states. Ultimately, this ensures that IHSI member states are better equipped to derive untold insights and intelligence from horizon scanning data.
Role of the Quality Management Committee (QMC)Transparency and Public Data Usage
Key Responsibilities:
- Overseeing data collection methodologies to ensure accuracy and traceability.
- Continuously reviewing and refining AI-driven data curation processes.
- Ensuring that all database records adhere to predefined methodological protocols and are regularly updated.
AI-Driven Quality Control and Expert Validation
IHSI employs a hybrid quality assurance model, combining AI-powered automation with expert human validation to optimize data reliability.
- Automated Data Screening: AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) extract insights from regulatory filings, clinical trial reports, and industry disclosures.
- Machine Learning (ML) for Data Structuring: Advanced ML models categorize and rank information, minimizing errors and inconsistencies.
- Human Expert Review Panels: Subject matter experts perform manual validation of AI-curated data, ensuring compliance with scientific and regulatory standards.
Each data field is underpinned by detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), outlining source validation, data hierarchy, and review protocols to uphold the highest quality standards.
Data Integrity and Transparency
Data integrity is a core priority within IHSI’s quality management approach. The QMC ensures that every record in the IHSI database follows a rigorous, evidence-based methodology. Key principles include:
- Independent data collection and ownership – IHSI ensures that all data is sourced independently, with no industry influence.
- Publicly available data only – The database exclusively utilizes open-access sources, preventing any conflicts of interest.
- Full transparency in methodology – All members have unrestricted access to data fields, methodologies, and validation procedures.
Ongoing Quality Improvements and Compliance
IHSI follows a continuous improvement model, ensuring that quality control processes evolve alongside advancements in data science and AI. The Quality Management Committee regularly updates protocols based on:
The Quality Management Committee (QMC) oversees:
- Feedback from member states and HTA bodies.
- Technological advancements in AI and data automation.
- Regulatory changes and best practice recommendations from international agencies.
IHSI’s commitment to excellence in quality management ensures that its pharmaceutical intelligence remains the most reliable and actionable resource for national health authorities, policymakers, and HTA organizations.
The IHSI Quality Management Framework guarantees scientific rigor, transparency, and high-quality data governance. By leveraging AI-driven analytics, expert validation, and structured review processes, IHSI ensures that governments and healthcare decision-makers receive accurate, timely, and independent pharmaceutical intelligence. The continuous oversight of the QMC ensures that IHSI remains a global leader in evidence-based horizon scanning.
