Alternatives to Animal Use in Research, Testing, and Education

In this assessment, OTA analyzes the scientific, regulatory, economic, legal, and ethical considerations involved in alternative technologies in biomedical and behavioral research, toxicity testing, and education. Included is a detailed examination of Federal, State, and institutional regulation of animal use, and a review of recent developments in 10 other countries. The report was requested by Sen. Orrin Hatch, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources

The Implications of Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Medical Technology

A case study requested by the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) that presents "a brief overview of selected respiratory therapy modalities, including an assessment, drawn from the available medical and scientific literature, of what is known about the efficacy or effectiveness of various respiratory therapy procedures" (p. 3)

Background paper

This report examines the U.S. preparations process for WARC-92, highlighting efforts to integrate the needs and concerns of various interest groups. It also reviews the forces and trends affecting the United States as it approaches WARC-92, and is intended to inform future congressional oversight of the domestic and international radio communication policy process

Rural Emergency Medical Services: special report

This report finds that many State EMS systems are fragmented and lacking resources to remedy EMS problems in rural areas. Many rural EMS programs lack specialized EMS providers, have inadequate EMS transportation and communications equipment, and are not part of a planned regional EMS system. The report describes the availability and distribution of emergency medical service (EMS) resources (e.g., personnel, transportation, facilities) and examines how limited Federal resources can be used to improve rural EMS. In addition, the report discusses how Federal EMS resources might be targeted to States’ rural areas

A Review of Alternative Approaches to Federal Funding of Rail Rehabilitation

A report by the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) that is part of a plan to restructure the railroads of the Northeast. It "provides a conceptual framework for the evaluation of alternative approaches to federal assistance for the rehabilitation of the nation's railroad fixed plant" (p. xiv)

Assessment of Community Planning for Mass Transit: Volume 9--Seattle Case Study

One of nine studies done by the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) assessing community planning for mass transit. The report identifies "the factors that help communities, facing critical technological choices, make wise decisions that are consistent with local and national goals for transit" (p. vii)

Power Sources for Remote Arctic Applications

This background paper concludes that continued use of the radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) at Burnt Mountain entails low risk for the safety of maintenance workers and local populations and for the environment

Special Report

This Special Report analyzes policy and research issues raised in considering Medicare coverage of preventive services. OTA examines how decisions are currently made about coverage of specific preventive services under Medicare and lays out options for altering the process and criteria governing those decisions. The Special Report also reviews and critiques ongoing demonstration projects and summarizes the results of OTA studies of the costs and effectiveness of specific preventive services for the elderly

Linking for Learning: A New Course for Education

This report discusses the development of telecommunications technologies and the study of distance learning. OTA was asked to analyze various technological options, examine current development, and identify how Federal, State and local policies could encourage more efficient and effective use