Visualizing scenarios to enhance foresight-informed policymaking: a Dutch palliative care case

Abstract Background Strategic foresight is increasingly used to address complex societal and health challenges. The European Commission has advocated foresight for research prioritization and policymaking. A key foresight method, scenario building, systematically examines trends and uncertainties to explore potential future developments. Incorporating visualization can make scenarios more accessible, foster stakeholder engagement, and strengthen the connection between scientific insights and policy discussions. This study examines how visualized scenarios can support policymaking, drawing on a Dutch foresight study focused on palliative care in 2050. Methods A foresight study on Dutch palliative care was conducted in 2024. The process began with a stakeholder session and a literature review to identify and prioritize key trends. These trends served as input for developing three preliminary scenarios, which were refined during a second stakeholder workshop. Stakeholder engagement ensured that diverse perspectives informed the scenario content. After the finalization of the narrative scenarios, a graphic designer created visuals aimed at enhancing their accessibility and stimulating discussion on the future of palliative care. Results The visualized scenarios presented distinct visions for the future of palliative care. Policymakers and stakeholders noted that the visualizations helped foster dialogue and served as a starting point for discussions about desirable futures. By transforming complex scenario narratives into accessible visuals, the approach increased familiarity with the scenarios, promoted a shared understanding, and encouraged long-term policy planning. Conclusions Scenario visualization is a powerful tool for bridging research and policy, enhancing the accessibility and impact of foresight activities. This integration supports collaborative policymaking by strengthening engagement and facilitating informed decision-making for the future of palliative care. Key messages • Scenario building for palliative care effectively supports foresight-informed policymaking. • Visualized scenarios enhance the accessibility and impact of foresight activities.