Office of Technology Assessment, United States Congress, science, technology, policy
Peter Montague | Rachel’s Democracy and Health News | December 18, 2008
A newsletter article discusses a recent Stanford study by Mark Z. Jacobson comparing ten ways to generate electricity and two ways to make ethanol fuel. When analyzing the study, the author asks “Where is the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment when you need it?”
A Health Reformer’s Online Diary | Ken Terry | November 17, 2008
A blog post suggests that the U.S. healthcare system can improved by organizing providers, improving quality, reforming reimbursements, and researching cost-effectiveness.
As to cost-effectiveness research, Health Reformer says, “…. have Medicare look not only at the clinical effectiveness of tests and treatments, but also at their cost-effectiveness–an idea that has been banished from American political discourse since the demise of the U.S. Office of Technology Assessment in the early ‘90s.”
You can check out several excellent reports on the cost-effectiveness of health care from the OTA archive:
A 1994 report, Identifying Health Technologies that Work – Searching for Evidence, is a comprehensive update about what works. Chapter 6, a history of the federal role in health technology assessment, may be of current interest.
A 1988 report, The Quality of Medical Care: Information for Consumers, is a great compendium on how medical care can be evaluated. It combines a conceptual framework, dimensions to consider, and an analysis of possible indicators of the quality of care provided by physicians and hospitals.
A 1986 report, Payment for Physician Services: Strategies for Medicare, lays out a relevant process for analyzing how we pay for heathcare (even though the policy context is dated). It evaluates some innovative payment methods, for example, bundling services into a package that is paid for at a flat rate or paying for a greater scope of services by capitation.
Nella Selim | DailyKos | December 2, 2008
A blog entry about restoring OTA says that, “…now is the crucial time for Congress to restore this agency and give Congress an independent view of science and technology rather than depending on industry scientists for science advice.” It also conducts a poll, “Do you think the Office of Technology Assessment should be restored?” To see the results click here.
John Wonderlich | Sunlight Foundation Blog | November 11, 2008
A blog post says that “with so many options for coordinating or institutionalizing advice, recommendations, and reform, the incoming Obama administration has a long history to consider, and a plethora of options at hand.” It mentions attempts to revive the Office Of Technology Assessment, which is “sorely needed,” and the new FAS database of OTA reports.
By Eric Meade | The Extreme Future | November 2008
A blog entry predicts that the new administration will have a new approach to the future and will revive the tradition of government foresight. It mentions several forward-looking programs from the 1970′s, including the Office of Technology Assessment, Congressional Clearinghouse on the Future, and a 1974 requirement of the House Select Committee on Committees that each standing committee undertake futures research and forecasting.
By Curtis Petty | Active Rain | October 13, 2008
A real estate blog entry discusses “prudent avoidance” of electric and magnetic fields and credits an OTA report, Biological Effects of Power Frequency: Electric and Magnetic Field. This May 1989 background paper (p. 77) suggests several approaches to risk assessment and regulation of electric and magnetic fields.
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