Use technology assessment forms to gain input from several perspectives.

Abstract

As healthcare organizations tackle the problem of effective selection and appropriate use of new medical and diagnostic technologies, four major questions must be asked: How does this technology affect patients; is it needed to compete in the marketplace; will it be used appropriately; and is there enough information available for making a decision to buy? To ensure that all viewpoints are considered, the Healthcare Association of New York State in Albany developed forms for gathering pertinent information from the perspectives of the provider, community, facility, vendor and finance department. Here are two HANYS forms--Medical Assessment and Community Assessment--for use in gathering information needed for making a decision.