| The role of surgeons in identifying emerging technologies for health technology assessment. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 20334740 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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BACKGROUND: Health technology assessment (HTA) is a tool intended to help policy-makers decide which technologies to fund. However, given the proliferation of new technologies, it is not possible to undertake an HTA of each one before it becomes funded. Consequently, "horizon-scanning" processes have been developed to identify emerging technologies that are likely to have a substantial impact on clinical practice. Although the importance of physicians in the adoption of new technologies is well recognized, their role in horizon scanning in Canada has been limited. The purpose of this project was to pilot an approach to engage physicians, specifically surgeons, in provincial horizon-scanning activities. METHODS: We invited 18 surgeons from Alberta's 2 medical schools to a horizon-scanning workshop to solicit their views on emerging technologies expected to impact surgical practice within the next 5 years and/or the importance of different attributes or characteristics of new technologies. RESULTS: Surgeons, regardless of specialty, identified developments designed to enhance existing minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as endoscopic, robotic and image-guided surgery. Several nonsurgical areas, including molecular genetics and nano technology, were also identified. Of the 13 technology attributes discussed, safety or risk, effectiveness and feasibility were rated as most important. Lastly, participating surgeons expressed an interest in becoming further involved in local HTA initiatives. CONCLUSION: Surgeons, as adopters and users of health technologies, represent an important and accessible information source for identifying emerging technologies for HTA. A more formal, ongoing relationship between the government, HTA and surgeons may help to optimize the use of HTA resources. |
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Authors:
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Tania Stafinski; Leigh-Ann Topfer; Ken Zakariasen; Devidas Menon |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie Volume: 53 ISSN: 1488-2310 ISO Abbreviation: Can J Surg Publication Date: 2010 Apr |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2010-03-25 Completed Date: 2010-05-04 Revised Date: 2010-09-30 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0372715 Medline TA: Can J Surg Country: Canada |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 86-92 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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The Health Technology and Policy Unit, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2V2. |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Alberta Attitude of Health Personnel Biomedical Technology / trends* Endoscopy Feasibility Studies Financing, Organized Forecasting* General Surgery / trends* Humans Physicians* Pilot Projects Robotics Role* Surgery, Computer-Assisted |
| Comments/Corrections | |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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