The impact of technology on the quality of health care

Laser technology, developments in three-dimensional imaging, genetic engineering, and biosynthetic materials, and other technologies can promote quality care if they are used appropriately and correctly, are accessible to physicians and patients, and are shown to lead to successful outcomes. Formal organizational linkages and networks will enable providers to specialize in different technology and equipment yet still assure access for their patients to a full continuum of health care services. Advances in technology should have a significant, positive impact on the quality of care, yet with continued escalations in cost. Technology-based cost increases can be minimized with a renewed focus on early detection of diseases and on preventive strategies, efforts to ensure appropriate and cost-effective use of technology, greater selectivity in the use of "halfway" technologies, and increased incentives for healthy life-styles.