I chose the second topic:
Efficacy may be defined simply as the health benefit to be derived
from the use of technology or how effective a giving technology is in
diagnosing or treating a condition. If a product or service actually
produces some health benefits, it can be considered efficacious or
effective.
Discuss the following questions:
What is the likelihood that a different procedure would result in a
better diagnosis?
If the problem is more accurately diagnosed, what is the likelihood of
a better cure?
Answer:
HTA or Health technology assessment is the evaluation of medical
technology to determine its efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
The main objective is to establish the appropriateness of medical
technology for widespread use. This assessment is essential because
many technologies have not produced any health benefits and some
may even be harmful (Shi & Singh, 2019). Value can be increased by
improving quality, the problem is that insured patients want to use all
available medical resources; regardless of the actual health benefit in
relation to the cost. Some physicians are put in a tricky situation
when they withhold treatment because of its cost inefficiency. The
same can be said when a patient has been prescribed medication and
later finds out that it costs a lot of money. Even though the doctor
was prescribing the best treatment option. The insurance companies
then get blamed for being uncaring when they refuse the delivery of
medical care because of costs. In the United States, cost-
effectiveness is the main concern when it comes to health care
delivery. Technology has the potential to not only enhance health
benefits but also
Shi, L., & Singh, D. A. (2019). Chapter 5- Technology and Its Effects.
In Essentials of the U.S. health care system (Fifth ed., pp. 101-125).
Burlington, MA, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
reduce costs. However, the issue of reducing costs by sacrificing
quality must influence change (Shi & Singh, 2019).
