Health care technology as a policy issue.

Health care technology has become an increasingly visible issue in many countries, primarily because of the rising costs of health care. In addition, many questions concerning quality of care are being raised. Health care technology assessment has been seen as an aid in addressing questions concerning technology, including benefits and costs. A number of industrialized countries have developed active programs of health care technology assessment during the past two decades. Eight countries at similar levels of socio-economic and health development--Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States--have been examined to gain insights into how they manage health care technology and what place technology assessment has in such management. In addition to seeking general information, specific cases--treatment for coronary artery disease, medical imaging, laparoscopic surgery, treatment of end-stage renal disease, neonatal intensive care, and breast cancer screening--were examined in each country.