ABSTRACT
This chapter puts forward two key ideas. The first is that there is a rational approach to the evaluation of health technology and the second is that forces shaping the development, adoption and overall use of health technology are considerably more complex than may first be appreciated. These include a combination of inappropriate incentives, patient expectations, the politics and economics of the industry, and inadequate comprehension of the issues. The lack of processes and mechanisms to ensure the adoption of a rational approach is essentially a social and political problem which reflects the complexities of human nature faced with the issues of life and death. Emerging streams of medical technology include, for example, medical artificial intelligence, biosensors and implantables, diagnostic imaging, genetic engineering, home health/self-diagnostics, new-wave laser surgery, office automation, super drugs, transplants and implants.
