Medical Technology Assessment - Research Paper Example

Business today is dominated by technology, and the fundamental architectures of every successful organisation is based on certain aspects of technology. This in effect has propelled the business world to previously unattainable limits. However, much as technology is celebrated the world over as fundamentally changing the face of business transactions, the pace that current technology has evolved with raises a lot of concern on the implications it may have. On the other hand a business process is a concise description of the day to day activities within an organisation. Business processes are characterised a defined method and visible results at the end of every process. It is this workflow that depends directly or indirectly to technology. Technology assessment in this instance therefore, will paint a real time picture of an organisations performance, its operations, workflow, and information processing. It is the basis of determining how technology can be integrated further to support and improves operations. This paper will present the findings of an assessment carried on Cleveland Clinic Foundation, the quality, regulation and clinical utility of laboratory developed tests. In addition, the role that laboratory technologies have played in the integration of business aspect till be explored. Technology assessment is the evaluation of emerging and existing technology trends to substantiate their existence in the world today. It seeks to identify the relevance of these technologies, and the role they play in the economic stability of organisations and the world at large. Furthermore, it is widely believed that scientists are not trained ethics as such whatever innovation they create should be assessed for any ethical concern. Technology assessment is viewed as interdisciplinary and capable of identifying and solving a wide range of technology based problems. An important concern, addressed by technology assessment is the collingridge dilemma. This is the situation where impacts of a new technology cannot be easily predicted unless the technology is fully developed and used. Yet on the other hand, it is absolutely difficult to change or control technology once it is widely used. The Cleveland clinic is an academic medical centre that has seen a tremendous growth over the years since its inception. It has a designated research laboratory, the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research institute that is characterised by high technological advancements. In addition, a graduate medical education program was incorporated in 2004 offering a wider range of professional services from this institution. Ranked among the top medical service providers in America, the Cleveland clinic has a good medical reputation and prides itself as the best in the region when it comes to service delivery and patient care. A quick look at the operations within and without this medical facility reveals a heavy reliance on technology and information systems. Furthermore, with the current breakthrough in medical technology it is necessary to carry out a technology assessment. For this type of organisation, health technology assessment (HTA) will be used in the evaluation process. This is a specialised type of technology assessment that informs management and relevant medical policy makers of the efficacy of medical systems. The main purpose of health technology assessment is to obtain ground for decision making with regards to application of technology within the healthcare system (Healthcare, 2009). These decisions should be made systematically with adequate and well documented information so as to leave little or no margin for error. Laboratory metal on metal hip resurfacing technology This medical procedure involves the replacement of the surface of the femoral head with an artificially made metal hemisphere that fits into a metal acetabula cup (Healthcare, 2009). This technology initially designed by an orthopaedic surgeon in Birmingham conserves and maintains most parts of the hip as such does not affect normal functioning of the human body. However, this medical technology procedure comes with numerous side effects and challenges, and as such requires constant monitoring to ensure a complete bled and integration with the human system. Background The main aim of this review is to assess the effectiveness of metal hip resurfacing technology compared to normal treatment and medication methods. There were no specific case studies in this instance, but data from case series were retrieved from the health facility archives and documented as follows. Metal hip resurfacing five study cases, medical treatment 12 study cases finally, arthrodesis and arthroscopy had one study case each. A substantial difference was noted on each individual case based on the treatment method and the outcome reported as per the data involved. Research revealed that most patients who underwent metal hip resurfacing required a three year observation and possible revision of the procedure to gain full treatment. In comparison, patients who opted for medical treatment and completely avoided surgery had a 30 per cent chance of going back for an operation over a period of 3 years. Furthermore, these patients require less follow up although retreatment rates were estimated to be slightly higher than those who opted for a technology hip replacement. In terms of pain, patients who underwent a metal on metal hip resurfacing experiences pain due to the high technology involved in the procedure. On the other hand the other patients who underwent medical treatment data showed that nearly 91 per cent of the patients experienced severe pains for a period not less than four years. Technology assessment All relevant studies were assessed for quality based relevance. Through this a simplified and standard expression was achieved that provided required results. Assessment of the technology and its role integration of information systems in the business architecture of Cleveland Clinic foundations showed a positive impact of its inclusion. This technology however, is marred with a lot of challenges in its utilisation and integration to normal procedures. It is comparatively a new technique and has a lot of doubt and concerns surrounding it. Furthermore, the presence of very few studies documenting the procedure, and the different characteristics displayed by the patients who underwent the procedure leave behind little evidence to hold ground. Summary of the assessment Although there was scares availability of documentation, the following was deduced from the findings of metal on metal hip resurfacing. This technology has the potential to effective and to properly manage hip disease. It is hard, however, to place a finger on the extent of its effectiveness when compared to other treatment methods. This is because the technology still is sparingly utilised and all patients display varied characteristics that are difficult to combine into a behaviour pattern. Conclusion Assessment programs should be designed to demand proper documentation and facilitate simpler technology assessments especially for emerging technologies. The goal is to make available assessment tools and results so as to promote proper developments of technology and their correct applications on the day to day business activity. There are variety roles that technology assessment plays in the integration on information systems within any organization. These range from the revelation of possible effects, both positive and negative, to the introduction of specialised tools. These tools can effectively be used to facilitate in the smoother integration of technology into the business architecture. Given the range of assessment tasks and data on medical technology assessment that are potentially available, it is clear that the processes involved are formidable. It is unlikely that such information and data can be available without the proper integration and utilisation of information systems within the medical sector. The support of technology and information systems goes along way into ensuring accuracy and availability of information as and when required. The design and integration of technology ultimately relies on technology architecture that cannot be ignored. Assessment therefore, plays a crucial role to all aspects of an organisation, and in the integration of information systems in their daily activities. First, the most valuable roles is the core function of assisting in the tracking of a medical procedure. Second, Technological assessment has the potential to reveal the weaknesses and strengths of any system thereby creating room for improvement by the medical tea. In addition, pre detection of errors and other ethical issues that may be involved in a system can help in decision making when it comes to choice of tool or system to implement. It is clear that the technology environment is yet to reach its peak. The integration of information systems to various aspects of the business process is merely the beginning of harnessing technology to support the formative functions of assessment. Technology certainly will continue to instil fundamental changes in the medical field as of all aspects in the business architecture. Therefore, it is important to accept the importance of technology assessment and uphold the integrity of such a process during the integration of an information system. References Healthcare Agency for research and quality. (2009). Technology Assesment: Horizon scan, to what extent do changes in technology Affect Clinical trials and evidence base, Rockville: Maryland Read More