Social science research on medical technology: Utility and limitations

Policies could be better devised and better implemented if greater use were made of the social sciences. However, the social sciences have quite often not produced knowledge adequate to permit resolution of pressing social problems. An example of both of these statements is found in the area of policies toward medical technology. Medical technology has become a major public policy issue in most industrialized countries, primarily because of the rising costs of medical care. Medical technology is a major contributor to these costs. Social science research has led to general formulations as to how medical technology is developed and diffused. In addition, specific studies of medical technology have identified factors that impede or facilitate the development and diffusion of medical technology. However, few studies have been done of public policy mechanisms. Effects of formal policies have not been evaluated, and organizations developed to implement policies toward medical technologies have not been studied. Programs cannot be improved without evaluation, nor can successful approaches be diffused more widely. The development and implementation of public policy toward medical technology would profit if social scientists were to become involved in its examination.