title: Introducing new technology safely.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This report considers the introduction of new technology and the implications for patient safety.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A distinction is made between 'conceptually' new and 'contextually' new technology. The life cycle of technology from development to routine use is discussed and the key role for regulation, health technology assessment, clinical engineering and surveillance in this life cycle considered. The limitations of each of these disciplines are also discussed. Special consideration is given to the needs of developing countries. Case study examples of particular challenges in the safe introduction of technology are presented.
authors.affiliation: WHO Patient Safety, Department of Health, London, UK. oliver.mytton@dh.gsi.gov.uk
authors.forename: Oliver T
authors.initials: OT
authors.lastname: Mytton
authors.forename: Adriana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Velazquez
authors.forename: Reiner
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Banken
authors.forename: Joseph L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Mathew
authors.forename: Tuija S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Ikonen
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Painter
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jean-Baptiste
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Poon
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ruelas
mesh_terms: D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D020811:Biomedical Technology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003906:Developing Countries; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D061214:Patient Safety; D011050:Policy Making; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence