Health care technology. Evolution toward revolution

The assessment process has a significant effect on the development and diffusion of any new technology. An assessment during the infancy of a new technology may have to be updated as more experience and data accumulate and change the analysis of the technology's safety and effectiveness. An outdated assessment can result in inappropriate utilization either by hindering diffusion of a valuable technology or by promoting utilization of an inappropriate technology. Those who conduct technology assessments must recognize that technologies have life cycles of their own.