Assessing medical technologies in development - A new paradigm of medical technology assessment

Objective: Our study aims to provide a practical contribution to the field of medical technology assessment within a new paradigm. This paradigm indic ates the need for more comprehensive technology assessments in the developm ent stage of a new technology. Method: We introduce a method, based on Saaty's Analytic Hierarchy Process, which quantitatively supports discussions between the various actors that shape the technology's development and diffusion. These discussions focus o n technical, medical, social, and economical requirements relevant to the d esign and diffusion of the new technology. Discussion: In contrast to more traditional technology assessments, our met hod encompasses the perspectives of the diverse actors in the social contex t of technology development and diffusion. It influences their decision mak ing on technology design and diffusion in order to improve this technology' s later clinical as well as social effectiveness.