Notes on Technology Assessment

Definition and Purpose

Technology: Science or knowledge applied to a definite purpose.
Technology Assessment: A form of policy research that examines the short- and long-term consequences (societal, economic, ethical, legal) of the application of technology.
- Goal: Provide policymakers with information on policy alternatives.
Health Technology Assessment (HTA): Originated from technology assessment, focused on health sector, developed in the U.S. Office of Technology Assessment (OTA).

Origins: Term "technology assessment" first used in the 1960s in the U.S., focusing on issues such as supersonic transport, environmental pollution, and genetic screening.
U.S. Congressional Subcommittee: Led by Emilio Daddario, it proposed technology assessment as a systematic approach to issues related to technology development and use.
U.S. Office of Technology Assessment (OTA): Established in 1972, closed in 1995.
- Provided Congress with analysis of scientific and technical issues.
- Produced approximately 750 studies in 24 years.

Technology assessment activities stimulated in various institutions in the U.S. and internationally.
Significant activities focused mainly in North America and Europe.
European Parliamentary Technology Assessment Network involves several European countries.

Early Years: Initially referred to as Medical Technology Assessment (MTA).
Focus: Efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of health technologies.
Criticism: Overemphasis on efficacy and cost-effectiveness, with insufficient focus on ethics and sociopolitical aspects.
Institutionalization: Increasing focus on cost-effectiveness, potentially leading to dysfunction.

David Banta: Prominent figure in HTA, emphasized efficacy and safety.
Sweden: Early adopter outside the U.S., focused on cost-effectiveness of technologies like CT scanners.

HTA criticized for lack of focus on broader sociopolitical issues and healthcare ethics.
Closure of the OTA seen as politics overriding science.
Calls for reinstatement of agencies like OTA to ensure informed technological decisions.

Includes various studies and reports on technology assessment and health technology.
Key references by Arnstein, Banta, Coates, Jonsson, and others provide deeper insights into the field's evolution and challenges.

Contact: David Banta, MD, MPH ([email protected])