Publications

Advanced medical technologies are increasingly available for operational use. These technologies can potentially be of benefit as a medical force multiplier. However, adoption of any particular technology for Alliance support is hindered by lack of a NATO mechanism to assess new medical technologies for maturity, usability, and benefits to the patients, clinicians, and operational commanders. The availability of a standardized assessment/evaluation methodology could significantly assist in the decision as to whether to field this technology in the multi-national environment, and could lead to increased deployment of such capabilities. RTG-130 has examined the mechanisms currently in use by various nations to test the suitability of such devices, and has examined the literature on Health Technology Assessment and Medical Equipment Testing. We have also attempted to determine how such testing could potentially be inserted into the current exercise and material-testing programs of NATO. A schema for using the concept of Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) in the evaluation of biomedical developments has been developed and recommended for formal NATO adoption. Proposed test and/or demonstration procedures/processes for evaluation of future systems for use within the NATO multi-national environment have been developed, which recommend assignment of this task to the ACT Medical Branch.