Washington, D.C., October 13, 2006 -The Institute for Health Technology Studies (InHealth) has awarded one-year research grants to two teams at Stanford University. One will examine the socio-economic value of MRI and CT imaging technology. The other will document the current regulatory and commercialization processes required of new medical technologies. The grants, totaling $538,207, are part of InHealth's continuing research mission to bring objective data and perspective to understanding the impact of medical technology on patients and the health care industry.

The first study, "The Diffusion of Imaging Technologies, Health Care Costs and Quality," will investigate the relationships among the availability of advanced diagnostic imaging services, usage, patient outcomes and health care spending. The second study, "Medical Device Development Models," will document how medical devices are approved and enhanced, pre- and post-market, including the role of the Food and Drug Administration. In addition, the study will clarify the different paths followed by medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotech products. Results from both studies are anticipated by fall 2007.

"Critical discussions about the nation's health care system should be based on objective data rather than political opinion. Our goal is to help uncover that data so that decision-makers have a fuller understanding of how to legislate and regulate in the health and economic interests of patients and their families," said Martyn Howgill, Executive Director of InHealth.

Stanford investigators will look at the effects of increased availability of MRI and CT technologies on the cost and quality of health care and whether costs are offset by benefits. No such studies are currently available. The researchers will collect data from 1992-2004 on the availability of MRI and CT services in differe
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Contact: Robyn Stein
Robyn.Stein@gabbe.com
212-220-4444
Innsbruck Medical University
13-Oct-2006