Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Ethical Challenges with Welfare Technology: A Review of the Literature

  • Review Paper
  • Published:
Science and Engineering Ethics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Demographical changes in high income counties will increase the need of health care services but reduce the number of people to provide them. Welfare technology is launched as an important measure to meet this challenge. As with all types of technologies we must explore its ethical challenges. A literature review reveals that welfare technology is a generic term for a heterogeneous group of technologies and there are few studies documenting their efficacy, effectiveness and efficiency. Many kinds of welfare technology break with the traditional organization of health care. It introduces technology in new areas, such as in private homes, and it provides new functions, e.g. offering social stimuli and entertainment. At the same time welfare technology is developed for groups that traditionally have not been extensive technology users. This raises a series of ethical questions with regard to the development and use of welfare technologies, which are presented in this review. The main challenges identified are: (1) Alienation when advanced technology is used at home, (2) conflicting goals, as welfare technologies have many stakeholders with several ends, (3) respecting confidentiality and privacy when third-party actors are involved, (4) guaranteeing equal access and just distribution, and (5) handling conflicts between instrumental rationality and care in terms of respecting dignity and vulnerability. Addressing these issues is important for developing and implementing welfare technologies in a morally acceptable manner.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aebi, M., Gunzburg, R., Pellise, F., & Szpalski, M. (2008). Relations between surgeons and industry: The time of clarification has come. European Spine Journal, 17, 783–784.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Agence d’Evaluation des Technologies et des Modes d’Intervention en Sante. (2009). Management of obstructive sleep apnea in the home oxygen therapy program (project) (Project record).

  • Ahmead, M., & Bower, P. (2008). The effectiveness of self help technologies for emotional problems in adolescents: A systematic review. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 2(20).

  • Album, D., & Westin, S. (2008). Do diseases have a prestige hierarchy? A survey among physicians and medical students. Social Science and Medicine, 66, 182–188.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alexander, G. L. (2006). Issues of trust and ethics in computerized clinical decision support systems. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 30, 21–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alloatti, S., Manes, M., Paternoster, G., Gaiter, A. M., Molino, A., & Rosati, C. (2000). Peritoneal dialysis compared with hemodialysis in the treatment of end-stage renal disease. Journal of Nephrology, 13, 331–342.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alvarez Hernandez, J., Pelaez Torres, N., & Munoz Jimenez, A. (1987). Clinical use of enteral nutrition. Nutricion Hospitalaria, 21(Suppl 2), 85–97.

  • Amin, M. (2004). Independence iBOT 3000 mobility system: A stair-climbing wheelchair. Issues in Emerging Health Technologies Issue 56. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA).

  • Ammenwerth, E., Schnell-Inderst, P., Machan, C., & Siebert, U. (2008). The effect of electronic prescribing on medication errors and adverse drug events: A systematic review. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 15, 585–600.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, R. M., & Funnell, M. M. (2005). Patient empowerment: Reflections on the challenge of fostering the adoption of a new paradigm. Patient Education and Counseling, 57, 153–157.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, A. M., & Labay, V. (2006). Ethical considerations and proposed guidelines for the use of radio frequency identification: Especially concerning its use for promoting public safety and national security. Science and Engineering Ethics, 12, 265–272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, B. J., Svoren, B., & Laffel, L. (2007). Initiatives to promote effective self-care skills in children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus. Disease Management and Health Outcomes, 15, 101–108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arras, J. D. (1994). The Technological Tether: An introduction to ethical and social issues in high-tech home care Executive summary of project conclusions. Hastings Center Report, 24, S1–S3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arras, J. D., & Dubler, N. N. (1994). Bringing the hospital home. Hastings Center Report, 24, S19–S28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bail, K. D., O’Neill, D. J., & Cahill, S. (2003). Electronic tagging of people with dementia [3] (multiple letters). British Medical Journal, 326, 281–282.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baker, P. M. A., & Moon, N. W. (2008). Wireless technologies and accessibility for people with disabilities: Findings from a policy research instrument. Assistive Technology, 20, 149–156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Balkany, T. J., Hodges, A., Miyamoto, R. T., Gibbin, K., & Odabasi, O. (2001). Cochlear implants in children. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 34, 455–467.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barak, A., Hen, L., Boniel-Nissim, M., & Shapira, N. (2008). A comprehensive review and a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of Internet-based psychotherapeutic interventions. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 26, 109–160.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barilan, Y. M., & Weintraub, M. (2001). The naturalness of the artificial and our concepts of health, disease and medicine. Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy, 4, 311–325.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barrocas, A., Yarbrough, G., Becnel Iii, P. A., & Nelson, J. E. (2003). Ethical and legal issues in nutrition support of the geriatric patient: The can, should, and must of nutrition support. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 18, 37–47.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bauer, K. (2003). Distributive justice and rural healthcare: A case for e-health. International Journal of Applied Philosophy, 17, 241–252.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bauer, K. A. (2007). Wired patients: Implantable microchips and biosensors in patient care. Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics, 16, 281–290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bensink, M., Hailey, D., & Wootton, R. (2007). A systematic review of successes and failures in home telehealth. Part 2: Final quality rating results. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 13, 10–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bharucha, A. J., London, A. J., Barnard, D., Wactlar, H., Dew, M. A., & Reynolds, C. F. (2006). Ethical considerations in the conduct of electronic surveillance research. Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics, 34, 611–619.

    Google Scholar 

  • Birren, J. E., Lubben, J. E., Rowe, J. C., & Deutchman, D. E. (1991). The concept and measurement of quality of life in the frail elderly. San Diego, CA: Academic Press.

  • Boff, K. R. (2006). Revolutions and shifting paradigms in human factors & ergonomics. Applied Ergonomics, 37, 391–399.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boriani, G., Diemberger, I., Martignani, C., Biffi, M., Valzania, C., Bertini, M., et al. (2008). Telecardiology and remote monitoring of implanted electrical devices: The potential for fresh clinical care perspectives. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 23, 73–77.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Botsis, T., & Hartvigsen, G. (2008). Current status and future perspectives in telecare for elderly people suffering from chronic diseases. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 14, 195–203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brownsell, S., & Hawley, M. S. (2004). Automatic fall detectors and the fear of falling. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 10, 262–266.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cahill, S. (2003). Electronic tagging of people with dementia. British Medical Journal, 326, 281.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carlisle, D. (2007). Remote control. Health Service Journal, 117(suppl), 6–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cash, M. (2003). Assistive technology and people with dementia. Reviews in Clinical Gerontology, 13, 313–319.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Castillo, J. (2005). Technology doesn’t have to thwart patient autonomy. Nephrology News and Issues, 19, 51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Celler, B. G., Lovell, N. H., Hesketh, T., Ilsar, E. D., Earnshaw, W., & Betbeder-Matibet, L. (1995). Remote home monitoring of health status of the elderly. Medinfo, 8(Pt 1), 615–619.

    Google Scholar 

  • Center for Medical Technology Assessment. (2005). Mobile video communication for the deaf—assessment of user benefits. Nashville: Center for Medical Technology Assessment (CMT).

  • Chan, M., Esteve, D., Escriba, C., & Campo, E. (2008). A review of smart homes—Present state and future challenges. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, 91, 55–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chapman, A. (2001). There’s no place like a smart home. Journal of Dementia Care, 9, 28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chaudhry, S. I., Phillips, C. O., Stewart, S. S., Riegel, B., Mattera, J. A., Jerant, A. F., et al. (2007). Telemonitoring for patients with chronic heart failure: A systematic review. Journal of Cardiac Failure, 13, 56–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clark, R. A., Inglis, S. C., McAlister, F. A., Cleland, J. G. F., & Stewart, S. (2007). Telemonitoring or structured telephone support programmes for patients with chronic heart failure: Systematic review and meta-analysis. British Medical Journal, 334, 942–945.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cochran, P. L., Tatikonda, M. V., & Magid, J. M. (2007). Radio frequency identification and the ethics of privacy. Organizational Dynamics, 36, 217–229.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cunningham, C. (2006). Technology in dementia care. Journal of Dementia Care, 14, 17.

    Google Scholar 

  • de Bruin, E. D., Hartmann, A., Uebelhart, D., Murer, K., & Zijlstra, W. (2008). Wearable systems for monitoring mobility-related activities in older people: A systematic review. Clinical Rehabilitation, 22, 878–895.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dees, R. H. (2007). Better brains, better selves? The ethics of neuroenhancements. Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal, 17, 371–395.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Demiris, G. (2008). Smart homes and ambient assisted living in an aging society: New opportunities and challenges for biomedical informatics. Methods of Information in Medicine, 47, 56–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Demiris, G., Hensel, B. K., Skubic, M., & Rantz, M. (2008). Senior residents’ perceived need of and preferences for “smart home” sensor technologies. International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care, 24, 120–124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Demiris, G., Oliver, D. P., & Courtney, K. L. (2006). Ethical considerations for the utilization of tele-health technologies in home and hospice care by the nursing profession. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 30, 56–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Demiris, G., Oliver, D. P., Giger, J., Skubic, M., & Rantz, M. (2009). Older adults’ privacy considerations for vision based recognition methods of eldercare applications. Technology and Health Care, 17, 41–48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Department of Justice. (1991). Nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in state and local government services. Federal Register, 56, 35694–35723.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dickens, B. M., & Cook, R. J. (2006). Legal and ethical issues in telemedicine and robotics. International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 94, 73–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dinesen, B., Nohr, C., Andersen, S. K., Sejersen, H., & Toft, E. (2008). Under surveillance, yet looked after: Telehomecare as viewed by patients and their spouse/partners. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 7, 239–246.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dorsten, A. M., Sifford, K. S., Bharucha, A., Mecca, L. P., & Wactlar, H. (2009). Ethical perspectives on emerging assistive technologies: Insights from focus groups with stakeholders in long-term care facilities. Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics, 4, 25–36.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Doyle, D. (2007). Ergonomics, patient safety, and engineering ethics: A case study and cautionary tale. Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants, 17, 27–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Earle, R. J., Rennick, J. E., Carnevale, F. A., & Davis, G. M. (2006). ‘It’s okay, it helps me to breathe’: The experience of home ventilation from a child’s perspective. Journal of Child Health Care, 10, 270–282.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Farmer, A., Gibson, O. J., Tarassenko, L., & Neil, A. (2005). A systematic review of telemedicine interventions to support blood glucose self-monitoring in diabetes. Diabetic Medicine, 22, 1372–1378.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Farrant, A. (2009). The fair innings argument and increasing life spans. Journal of Medical Ethics, 35, 53–56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Finch, T. L., Mort, M., Mair, F. S., & May, C. R. (2008). Future patients? Telehealthcare, roles and responsibilities. Health and Social Care in the Community, 16, 86–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Foster, K. R., & Jaeger, J. (2008). Ethical implications of implantable radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags in humans. American Journal of Bioethics, 8, 44–48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gaikwad, R., & Warren, J. (2009). The role of home-based information and communications technology interventions in chronic disease management: A systematic literature review. Health Informatics Journal, 15, 122–146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gammon, D., Christiansen, E. K., & Wynn, R. (2009). Exploring morally relevant issues facing families in their decisions to monitor the health-related behaviours of loved ones. Journal of Medical Ethics, 35, 424–428.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia-Lizana, F., & Sarria-Santamera, A. (2007). New technologies for chronic disease management and control: A systematic review. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 13, 62–68.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gatward, J. (2004). Electronic assistive technology: Benefits for all? Housing, Care and Support, 7, 13–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gentry, T. (2009). Smart homes for people with neurological disability: State of the art. Neurorehabilitation, 25, 209–217.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gillespie, L. D., Robertson, M. C., Gillespie, W. J., Lamb, S. E., Gates, S., Cumming, R. G., & Rowe, B. H. (2009). Interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 15, 354–355.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gillett, G. (2006). Cyborgs and moral identity. Journal of Medical Ethics, 32, 79–83.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Godwin, B. (2005). Technology in dementia care. Journal of Dementia Care, 13, 12–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goins, R. T., Kategile, U., & Dudley, K. C. (2001). Telemedicine, rural elderly, and policy issues. Journal of Aging and Social Policy, 13, 53–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goodwin, J. S., Nguyen-Oghalai, T. U., Kuo, Y. F., & Ottenbacher, K. J. (2007). Epidemiology of Medicare abuse: The example of power wheelchairs. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 55, 221–226.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Griffiths, K. M., Calear, A. L., Banfield, M., & Tam, A. (2009). Systematic review on Internet Support Groups (ISGs) and depression (2): What is known about depression ISGs? Journal of Medical Internet Research, 11, e41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Habermas, J. (1987). Theory of communicative action. Beacon Press: Boston.

  • Hagen, I. (2007). Technology in dementia care. Technology and Disability, 19, 53–54.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haggblom-Kronlof, G., & Sonn, U. (2007). Use of assistive devices—A reality full of contradictions in the elderly person’s everyday life. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2, 335–345.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hammer, J. (2000). Home mechanical ventilation in children: Indications and practical aspects. Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift.Journal Suisse de Medecine, 130, 1894–1902.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansen, L. J., & Drivsholm, T. B. (2002). Interventions to improve the management of diabetes mellitus in primary health care and outpatient community settings. Ugeskrift for Laeger, 164, 607–609.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansson, S. (2005). Implant ethics. Journal of Medical Ethics, 31, 519–525.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hansson, S. O. (2007). The ethics of enabling technology. Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics, 16, 257–267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hardey, M., Payne, S., Powell, J., Hawker, S., & Kerr, C. (2001). Professional territories and the fragmented landscape of elderly care. Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health, 121, 159–164.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hardwig, J. (1997). Is there a duty to die? Hastings Center Report, 27, 34–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heidegger, M. (1977). The question concerning technology and other essays. San Francisco: Harper & Row.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hilden, P. K. (2002). Technology and culture: The case of Hb A < sub > 1c </sub> and type 1 diabetes. Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening, 122, 69–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hofmann, B. (2002a). On the triad disease, illness and sickness. Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, 27, 651–674.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hofmann, B. (2002b). The technological invention of disease. Oslo: University of Oslo.

  • Hofmann, B. (2002c). The technological invention of disease—on technology and values. Oslo: University of Oslo.

  • Hofmann, B. (2005a). On value-judgements and ethics in health technology assessment. Poiesis & Praxis: International Journal of Technology Assessment and Ethics of Science, 3, 277–295.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hofmann, B. (2005b). Toward a procedure for integrating moral issues in health technology assessment. International Journal of Health Technology Assessment, 21, 312–318.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hofmann, B. (2006). When means become ends: Technology producing values. Seminar.net—International Journal of Media, technology and lifelong learning, 7(2). http://seminar.net/index.php/volume-2-issue-2-2006-previousissuesmeny-114/66-when-means-become-ends-technology-producing-values. Accessed 30 Dec 2011.

  • Hofmann, B. (2008). Etikk i vurdering av helsetiltak. Utvikling av en metode for å synliggjøre etiske utfordringer ved vurdering av helsetiltak (in Norwegian). Oslo:Norwegian Knowledge Center for the Health Services.

  • Hofmann, B. (2010). Etiske utfordringer med velferdsteknologi (in Norwegian). Oslo: Norwegian Knowledge Center for the Health Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoglund, A. T., & Holmstrom, I. (2008). ‘It’s easier to talk to a woman’. Aspects of gender in Swedish telenursing. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 17, 2979–2986.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hughes, J. C., Newby, J., Louw, S. J., Campbell, G., & Hutton, J. L. (2008a). Ethical issues and tagging in dementia: A survey. Journal of Ethics in Mental Health, 3, 1–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hughes, C. M., Smith, M. B. H., & Tunney, M. M. (2008a). Infection control strategies for preventing the transmission of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in nursing homes for older people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD006354.

  • Huisman-de Waal, G., Schoonhoven, L., Jansen, J., Wanten, G., & van Achterberg, T. (2007). The impact of home parenteral nutrition on daily life—A review. Clinical Nutrition, 26, 275–288.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Isa, T., Fetz, E. E., & Muller, K. R. (2009). Recent advances in brain-machine interfaces. Neural Networks, 22, 1201–1202.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, J. F., & Brennan, P. F. (2002). Telehealth interventions to improve clinical nursing of elders. Annual Review of Nursing Research, 20, 293–322.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jutai, J., Rigby, P., Ryan, S., & Stickel, S. (2000). Psychosocial impact of electronic aids to daily living. Assistive Technology, 12, 123–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kubitschke, L., Gareis, K., Lull, F., et al. (2009). ICT and aging: Users markets and technologies. Compilation Report on Ethics. (ed ICT & Ageing—Users, M. a. T. s.). Bonn.

  • Laakkonen, M. L., Pitkala, K. H., Strandberg, T. E., Berglind, S., & Tilvis, R. S. (2004). Living will, resuscitation preferences, and attitudes towards life in an aged population. Gerontology, 50, 247–254.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lantos, J. D., & Kohrman, A. F. (1992). Ethical aspects of pediatric home care. Pediatrics, 89, 920–924.

    Google Scholar 

  • Larsen, T., Olsen, T. S., & Sorensen, J. (2006). Early home-supported discharge of stroke patients: A health technology assessment. International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care, 22, 313–320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Latimer, J. E., & Schillmeier, M. W. J. (2009). Un/knowing bodies. Sociological Review Monograph Series. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

  • Lauriks, S., Reinersmann, A., Van der Roest, H. G., Meiland, F. J., Davies, R. J., Moelaert, F., et al. (2007). Review of ICT-based services for identified unmet needs in people with dementia. Ageing Research Reviews, 6, 223–246.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Le, X. H. B., Di Mascolo, M., Gouin, A., & Noury, N. (2008). Health smart home for elders—A tool for automatic recognition of activities of daily living. Conference proceedings: annual international conference of the IEEE engineering in medicine and biology society (pp. 3316–3319).

  • Lehoux, P., & Blume, S. (2000). Technology assessment and the sociopolitics of health technologies. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 25, 1083–1120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lehoux, P., & Law, S. (2004). Health care technology at home: Issues in organization and delivery in Quebec. AETMIS: Montreal. http://www.inesss.qc.ca/fileadmin/doc/aetmis/Rapports/SoinsDomicile/2004_06_en.pdf. Accessed 30 Dec 2011.

  • Lehoux, P., Richard, L., Pineault, R., & Saint-Arnaud, J. (2006). Delivery of high-tech home care by hospital-based nursing units in Quebec: Clinical and technical challenges. Nursing leadership (Toronto, Ont.), 19, 44–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Levine, C. (2005). Acceptance, avoidance, and ambiguity: Conflicting social values about childhood disability. Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal, 15, 371–383.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levine, M., Adida, B., Mandl, K., Kohane, I., & Halamka, J. (2007). What are the benefits and risks of fitting patients with radiofrequency identification devices. PLoS Medicine/Public Library of Science, 4, e322.

    Google Scholar 

  • Levy, J. A., & Strombeck, R. (2002). Health benefits and risks of the Internet. Journal of Medical Systems, 26, 495–510.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liaschenko, J. (1994). The moral geography of home care. Advances in Nursing Science, 17, 16–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liaschenko, J. (2001). Home care, novels, and the future. Home Care Provider, 6, 148–149.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lopez, D., & Domenech, M. (2009). Embodying autonomy in a home telecare service. The Sociological Review, 56, 181–195.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Louis, A. A., Turner, T., Gretton, M., Baksh, A., & Cleland, J. G. F. (2003). A systematic review of telemonitoring for the management of heart failure. European Journal of Heart Failure, 5, 583–590.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Magnusson, L., & Hanson, E. J. (2003). Ethical issues arising from a research, technology and development project to support frail older people and their family carers at home. Health and Social Care in the Community, 11, 431–439.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mainzer, K. (2009). From embodied mind to embodied robotics: Humanities and system theoretical aspects. Journal of Physiology, Paris, 103, 296–304.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manhal-Baugus, M. (2001). E-therapy: Practical, ethical, and legal issues. Cyberpsychology and Behavior, 4, 551–563.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Margot-Cattin, I., & Nygard, L. (2006). Access technology and dementia care: Influences on residents’ everyday lives in a secure unit. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 13, 113–124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maric, B., Kaan, A., Ignaszewski, A., & Lear, S. A. (2009). A systematic review of telemonitoring technologies in heart failure. European Journal of Heart Failure, 11, 506–517.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martinez, A., Everss, E., Rojo-Alvarez, J. L., Figal, D. P., & Garcia-Alberola, A. (2006). A systematic review of the literature on home monitoring for patients with heart failure. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 12, 234–241.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McAward, S. M. (2005). Perceptions of the ethicality of using on-line technology with clients. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 66, 565.

  • McGowan, J. L., Grad, R., Pluye, P., Hannes, K., Deane, K., Labrecque, M., Welch, V., & Tugwell, P. (2009). Electronic retrieval of health information by healthcare providers to improve practice and patient care. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3, CD004749.

  • McQuaid, B. (2007). Is all this technology really making patients safer? Health Data Management, 15, 64.

    Google Scholar 

  • McShane, R., Hope, T., & Wilkinson, J. (1994). Tracking patients who wander: Ethics and technology. Lancet, 343, 1274.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Medical Advisory Secretariat (2009). Home telemonitoring for type 2 diabetes: An evidence-based analysis. Ontario health technology assessment series, 9(24).

  • Melson, G. F., Kahn, P. H. J., Beck, A., & Friedman, B. (2009). Robotic pets in human lives: Implications for the human–animal bond and for human relationships with personified technologies. Journal of Social Issues, 65, 545–567.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Milner, M. (1995). The potential of technological innovations for the disabled. International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care, 11, 187–195.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miskelly, F. (2004). A novel system of electronic tagging in patients with dementia and wandering. Age and Ageing, 33, 304–306.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mohan, J., & Razali Raja, Y. R. (2004). The Malaysian Telehealth Flagship Application: A national approach to health data protection and utilisation and consumer rights. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 73, 217–227.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mott, P. D. (1990). The elderly and high technology medicine: A case for individualized, autonomous allocation. Theoretical Medicine, 11, 95–102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mowatt, G., Vale, L., Perez, J., Wyness, L., Fraser, C., MacLeod, A., Daly, C., & Stearns, S. C. (2003). Systematic review of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, and economic evaluation, of home versus hospital or satellite unit haemodialysis for people with end-stage renal failure. Health Technology Assessment, 7, 1–174.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicolas, L., Franco, A., Provost, H., Amico, L., Berenguer, M., Lombard, F., et al. (2005). Videophone assistance and home hospitalization: The ViSaDom program. Presse Medicale, 34, 1059–1064.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Niemeijer, A., & Hertogh, C. (2008). Implantable tags: Don’t close the door for aunt Millie! American Journal of Bioethics, 8, 50–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nijland, N., Gemert-Pijnen, J., Boer, H., Steehouder, M. F., & Seydel, E. R. (2008). Evaluation of internet-based technology for supporting self-care: Problems encountered by patients and caregivers when using self-care applications. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 10, e13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nymark, M. (2007). Patients’ safety, privacy and effectiveness—A conflict of interests in health care information systems? Medicine and Law, 26, 245–255.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pannuti, F., & Tanneberger, S. (1998a). Hospital-at-home: Prospect of a major dignity of life for advanced cancer patients—Part I. Archive of Oncology, 6, 119–123.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pannuti, F., & Tanneberger, S. (1998b). Hospital-at-home: Prospect of a major dignity of life for advanced cancer patients—Part II. Archive of Oncology, 6, 171–176.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pare, G., Jaana, M., & Sicotte, C. (2007). Systematic review of home telemonitoring for chronic diseases: The evidence base. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 14, 269–277.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pare, G., Moqadem, K., Pineau, G., & St Hilaire, C. (2009). Systematic review of the effects of home telemonitoring in the context of diabetes, pulmonary diseases and cardiovascular diseases. ETMIS 2009, 5(3). http://www.inahta.org/Publications/Briefs-Checklist-Impact/2009/4417/.

  • Percival, J., & Hanson, J. (2006). Big brother or brave new world? Telecare and its implications for older people’s independence and social inclusion. Critical Social Policy, 26, 888–909.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Perry, J., Beyer, S., & Holm, S. (2009). Assistive technology, telecare and people with intellectual disabilities: Ethical considerations. Journal of Medical Ethics, 35, 81–86.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pharow, P., & Blobel, B. (2008). Mobile health requires mobile security: Challenges, solutions, and standardization. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 136, 697–702.

    Google Scholar 

  • Plastow, N. A. (2006). Is big brother watching you? Responding to tagging and tracking in dementia care. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69, 525–527.

    Google Scholar 

  • Price, J. D., Hermans, D., & Grimley, E. J. (2001). Subjective barriers to prevent wandering of cognitively impaired people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD001932.

  • Pugno, P. A. (2002). Ethical considerations of electronic communication in the clinical outpatient setting. Journal of Clinical Ethics, 13, 324–329.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rabinowitz, F. M. (Feb 2005). Review of the robot’s rebellion: Finding meaning in the age of Darwin. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne, 46(1), 55–57.

  • Rialle, V., Ollivet, C., Guigui, C., & Herve, C. (2008). What do family caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease patients desire in smart home technologies? Contrasted results of a wide survey. Methods of Information in Medicine, 47, 63–69.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robinson, L., Hutchings, D., Corner, L., Finch, T., Hughes, J., Brittain, K., et al. (2007). Balancing rights and risks: Conflicting perspectives in the management of wandering in dementia. Health, Risk & Society, 9, 389–406.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Savastano, M., Hovsto, A., Pharow, P., & Blobel, B. (2008). Identity-management factors in e-health and telemedicine applications. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 14, 386–388.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Savenstedt, S., Sandman, P. O., & Zingmark, K. (2006). The duality in using information and communication technology in elder care. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 56, 17–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Snow, C. (1959). The two cultures. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sparrow, R., & Sparrow, L. (2006). In the hands of machines? The future of aged care. Minds and Machines, 16, 141–161.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stanberry, B. (2001). Legal ethical and risk issues in telemedicine. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, 64, 225–233.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Hoof, J., Kort, H. S. M., Markopoulos, P., & Soede, M. (2007). Ambient intelligence, ethics and privacy. Gerontechnology, 6, 155–163.

    Google Scholar 

  • Voelker, R. (2005). Rehabilitation medicine welcomes a robotic revolution. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 294, 1191–1195.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waldron, V. R., Lavitt, M., & Kelley, D. (2000). The nature and prevention of harm in technology-mediated self-help settings: Three exemplars. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 17, 267–293.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Welsh, S., Hassiotis, A., O’Mahoney, G., & Deahl, M. (2003). Big brother is watching you—The ethical implications of electronic surveillance measures in the elderly with dementia and in adults with learning difficulties. Aging and Mental Health, 7, 372–375.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Widdershoven, G. A. (1998). Ethics and gerontechnology: A plea for integration. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 48, 105–111.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wieczorek, A., Rys, P., Skrzekowska-Baran, I., & Malecki, M. (2008). The role of surrogate endpoints in the evaluation of efficacy and safety of therapeutic interventions in diabetes mellitus. The Review of Diabetic Studies, 5, 128–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilmshurst, P. (2011). The regulation of medical devices. Unsatisfactory, unscientific, and in need of a major overhaul. British Medical Journal, 342, d2822.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This article is based on a report in Norwegian (Hofmann 2010). I am most grateful to two anonymous reviewers for their wise comments and suggestions.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, PO Box 1130, Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway

    Bjørn Hofmann

  2. Section for Health, Technology and Society, University College of Gjøvik, Gjøvik, Norway

    Bjørn Hofmann

Authors
  1. Bjørn Hofmann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bjørn Hofmann.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hofmann, B. Ethical Challenges with Welfare Technology: A Review of the Literature. Sci Eng Ethics 19, 389–406 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-011-9348-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-011-9348-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation