Health care technology: sharpening the definition and establishing aspects of the social context

The proliferation of technology in the health care system has led to a profusion of terms that can firstly, be confusing and secondly, narrow the true dimension of technology and its potential for impact on those involved. This paper clarifies the terminology and outlines aspects of the social belief system which help to shape how technology is utilised, perceived, received and evaluated. Implications for participants are outlined.