Indexing transition indicators of medical technology: evaluation by comparing process and co-variation methodologies

The evaluation of current and especially emerging medical technologies has always been a difficult task. This is of interest not only to the healthcare provider but also to the payor organizations and the government. This paper proposes a method by which transition indicators of the outcomes of medical technologies are indexed to produce a viable evaluation tool that allows provider and payor organizations the ability to evaluate the benefits from such technologies. The paper reports on a comparative exploratory study between two methodologies used to assess transition indicators: process and co-variation. Initial results from this exploratory study are presented as evidence in support of process methods. Implications for further research are examined, and methodological ramifications are explained.