The current processes for assessing the merits of implementing new health technology in public hospitals differ vastly across states, territories and public and private health systems. There needs to be a clear and consistent approach across governments, health services and clinicians to ensure that evidence to support the value of new technologies can be demonstrated in terms of both costs and patient outcomes.

Evidence-based studies with a focus on clinical outcomes are vital as is cost benefit analysis, but this must be enhanced with data on patient outcomes and experiences in order to fully assess the value of the investment.

The creation of a robotic surgery program at Metro North Hospital and Health Service in Queensland provides an example of how robotic surgery for hip and knee replacements was assessed and implemented in a major metropolitan public hospital.