Health technology assessment

This paper discusses the role of technology assessment in health care. The definition of health technology and its effect on health care in the Australian setting is reviewed. In particular, emphasis is placed on the work of the Australian Health Technology Advisory Committee and its approach to providing advice to clinicians on technology based healthcare services. Specific issues relating to laparoscopic services, radiation oncology, ultrasound, molecular biology and gene therapy, telemedicine and magnetic resonance imaging are outlined. The issue of the explosion of growth in the diagnostic services is also outlined.