Technologies and health care in the 21st century

The factors shaping the nature and scope of health care in the 21st century are examined. Included are the technically driven infusion of new and innovative research and clinical tools; the diversity and capability of modern imaging methods; the predominance of diagnostic capabilities over effective therapy in clinical medicine; the focus of basic research on engineering issues such as instrumentation, biomaterials, modeling, and physiological functions; the growing use of image-based therapy; and the quest for causation in chronic conditions.