The appropriate use of technology (particularly in medical problems of the elderly)

Technology, particularly "high" technology, with little solid data, is often blamed for much of our increasing cost of health care. Politics and emotions are poor substitutes for accurate information needed for rational solutions. By targeting the desired outcome and studying the process needed to reach the outcome, we can make better decisions. The methods of designing, conducting and funding the studies needed to answer the difficult questions posed by the use of high technology in the elderly are available. Do we have the wisdom to use them?