Briefly describe the stages of medical technology development.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• The development, diffusion, and eventual widespread utilization of a particular health care technology is a three-phase process that moves from the birth of a scientific concept, through the development of a specific product, and on to acceptance and use by physicians and their patients.
• The first phase involves a broad array of basic science discoveries that provide a fertile scientific environment from which useful products may eventually emerge.
• The second phase involves product development—the process of moving from basic research to implementation. In this phase, the scientific work involves clarification and refinement of the original idea, determining its safety and effectiveness, and developing the best design and package for the final product. The following is determined during this phase:
• Is there a need and a viable market for this product?
• Can an appropriate product be developed that accomplishes what basic science suggests it can?
• Can the necessary tests and clinical trials be carried out to win the regulatory approval required for public sale and use of the product?
• The third phase involves taking the drug, device, or technology and making it generally accepted, available, and used by patients and clinicians. It involves a mixture of scientific promotion to technical experts and general marketing to the health care system that must ultimately approve it for purchase and clinical use. The availability of health insurance coverage for new procedures and products is also a major factor in the eventual diffusion and use of new technology.