Below is the uncorrected machine-read text of this chapter, intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapter-representative searchable text of each book. Because it is UNCORRECTED material, please consider the following text as a useful but insufficient proxy for the authoritative book pages.
GLOSSARY Ancillary technology Medical technology used directly to support clinical services, including diagnostic radiology, radiation therapy, clinical laboratory, and other special services. Capital equipment Equipment whose useful life covers an extended period, conventionally assumed to be more than l year. Clinical technology Medical technology used in the provision of direct patient care, including medical and surgical services. Coordinative technology Technology used to facilitate and support the provision of health care services but not directly associ- ated with patient care, including administration, transporta- tion, and communication both within and among health care facilities. Cost-effectiveness The extent to which a medical technology achieves a specified objective at the lowest possible cost. Effectiveness Extent to which a medical technology makes a dif- ference to the objectives of medical care. Equipment-embodied technology Medical technology primarily de- pendent upon capital equipment to perform health care tasks. Medical technology Specialized technology applicable to the practice of medical care, including techniques, drugs, pro- cedures, products, or systems combining these elements. Net social benefit The difference in the value of improved out- comes and the additional costs resulting from the application of a new technology. Practitioner Individual involved in the delivery of health care, including physicians, nurses, and allied health care personnel. Provider Individual or institution that gives medical care, in- cluding institutions and individuals who practice independent of institutions. 85
86 Societal impact Changes in the social and economic structure of communities or nations resulting from the application of a technology. Technical change Change in the methods of producing health care services. Technical validity The extent to which a medical technology does what it purports to do. Technology The body of tools emerging from the interplay of scientific knowledge and practical operation applied to specialized purpose.
