Lessons from the eight countries.

While the eight countries presented in this issue differ considerably from each other, they have important similarities. All have faced the problem of increasing health care expenditures, and all are coming to recognize problems with health care technology such as inappropriate use and poor quality of care. Health reforms appear to be accelerating in the countries examined. In addition, all countries now have stated policy goals of assessing the benefits of health care technologies and most have established formal programs for health care technology assessment. Technology assessments impact varies, but it is becoming an important factor in technology acquisition. These trends point to a future for technology assessment and perhaps to better management of health care technology. International cooperation is important if this goal is to be realized.