Health technology assessment.
This paper discusses the role of technology assessment in health care. The definition of health technology and its effect on health care in the Australian setting is reviewed. In particular, emphasis is placed on the work of the Australian Health Technology Advisory Committee and its approach to providing advice to clinicians on technology based healthcare services. Specific issues relating to laparoscopic services, radiation oncology, ultrasound, molecular biology and gene therapy, telemedicine and magnetic resonance imaging are outlined. The issue of the explosion of growth in the diagnostic services is also outlined.
Kearney
B
B
Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Australia.
D001315:Australia; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006286:Health Planning Councils; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017216:Telemedicine; D014180:Transplantation