scholarly journals Ethical Issues Concerning the Use of Data from Commercially Available Wearable Sensors in Children

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrie G. Panayiotou ◽  
Evangelos D. Protopapadakis
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Thought Experiment ◽  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
Wearable Technology ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
Use Of Data ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Commercial Technology ◽  
Privacy Issues ◽  
Confidentiality And Privacy

Wearable and mobile technology has advanced in leaps and bounds in the last decade with technological advances creating a role from enhancing healthy living to monitoring and treating disease. However, the discussion about the ethical use of such commercial technology in the community, especially in minors, is lacking behind. In this paper, we first summarize the major ethical concerns that arise from the usage of commercially available wearable technology in children, with a focus on smart watches, highlighting issues around the consent process, mitigation of risk and potential confidentiality and privacy issues, as well as the potential for therapeutic misconceptions when used without medical advice. Then through a relevant thought experiment we move on to outline some further ethical concerns that are connected to the use of wearables by minors, to wit the issue of informed consent in the case of minors, forcing them to live in the spotlight, and compromising their right to an open future. We conclude with the view that mitigating potential pitfalls and enhancing the benefits of wearable technology especially for minors requires brave and comprehensive moral debates.

scholarly journals Recent Impact of Microfluidics on Skin Models for Perspiration Simulation

Membranes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Genís Rabost-Garcia ◽  
Josep Farré-Lladós ◽  
Jasmina Casals-Terré
Keyword(s):  
Sweat Gland ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
Surface Characteristics ◽  
Skin Surface ◽  
Wearable Technology ◽  
Alternative Strategies ◽  
Accurate Model ◽  
Key Features

Skin models offer an in vitro alternative to human trials without their high costs, variability, and ethical issues. Perspiration models, in particular, have gained relevance lately due to the rise of sweat analysis and wearable technology. The predominant approach to replicate the key features of perspiration (sweat gland dimensions, sweat rates, and skin surface characteristics) is to use laser-machined membranes. Although they work effectively, they present some limitations at the time of replicating sweat gland dimensions. Alternative strategies in terms of fabrication and materials have also showed similar challenges. Additional research is necessary to implement a standardized, simple, and accurate model representing sweating for wearable sensors testing.

Unique views on obesity-related behaviors and environments: research using still and video images (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan Carlson ◽  
J. Aaron Hipp ◽  
Jacqueline Kerr ◽  
Todd Horowitz ◽  
David Berrigan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Dietary Assessment ◽  
Extraction Methods ◽  
Image Capture ◽  
Still Images ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Computer Scientists

BACKGROUND Image based data collection for obesity research is in its infancy. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to document challenges to and benefits from such research by capturing examples of research involving the use of images to assess physical activity- or nutrition-related behaviors and/or environments. METHODS Researchers (i.e., key informants) using image capture in their research were identified through knowledge and networks of the authors of this paper and through literature search. Twenty-nine key informants completed a survey covering the type of research, source of images, and challenges and benefits experienced, developed specifically for this study. RESULTS Most respondents used still images in their research, with only 26.7% using video. Image sources were categorized as participant generated (N = 13; e.g., participants using smartphones for dietary assessment), researcher generated (N = 10; e.g., wearable cameras with automatic image capture), or curated from third parties (N = 7; e.g., Google Street View). Two of the major challenges that emerged included the need for automated processing of large datasets (58.8%) and participant recruitment/compliance (41.2%). Benefit-related themes included greater perspectives on obesity with increased data coverage (34.6%) and improved accuracy of behavior and environment assessment (34.6%). CONCLUSIONS Technological advances will support the increased use of images in the assessment of physical activity, nutrition behaviors, and environments. To advance this area of research, more effective collaborations are needed between health and computer scientists. In particular development of automated data extraction methods for diverse aspects of behavior, environment, and food characteristics are needed. Additionally, progress in standards for addressing ethical issues related to image capture for research purposes are critical. CLINICALTRIAL NA

scholarly journals Big Data: Some Ethical Concerns for the Social Sciences

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Michael Weinhardt
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Online Behavior ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
The Social ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
State Actors

While big data (BD) has been around for a while now, the social sciences have been comparatively cautious in its adoption for research purposes. This article briefly discusses the scope and variety of BD, and its research potential and ethical implications for the social sciences and sociology, which derive from these characteristics. For example, BD allows for the analysis of actual (online) behavior and the analysis of networks on a grand scale. The sheer volume and variety of data allow for the detection of rare patterns and behaviors that would otherwise go unnoticed. However, there are also a range of ethical issues of BD that need consideration. These entail, amongst others, the imperative for documentation and dissemination of methods, data, and results, the problems of anonymization and re-identification, and the questions surrounding the ability of stakeholders in big data research and institutionalized bodies to handle ethical issues. There are also grave risks involved in the (mis)use of BD, as it holds great value for companies, criminals, and state actors alike. The article concludes that BD holds great potential for the social sciences, but that there are still a range of practical and ethical issues that need addressing.

Commentary: The Broader Context of Long-Term Care Ethics

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 554-556
Author(s):  
Jason Lesandrini ◽  
Carol O’Connell
Keyword(s):  
Care Setting ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Ethics Program ◽  
Made In

Ethical issues in long-term care settings, although having received attention in the literature, have not in our opinion received the appropriate level they require. Thus, we applaud the Cambridge Quarterly for publishing this case. We can attest to the significance of ethical issues arising in long-term care facilities, as Mr. Hope’s case is all too familiar to those practicing in these settings. What is unique about this case is that an actual ethics consult was made in a long-term care setting. We have seen very little in the published literature on the use of ethics structures in long-term care populations. Our experience is that these healthcare settings are ripe for ethical concerns and that providers, patients, families, and staff need/desire ethics resources to actively and preventively address ethical concerns. The popular press has begun to recognize the ethical issues involved in long-term care settings and the need for ethics structures. Recently, in California a nurse refused to initiate CPR for an elderly patient in a senior residence. In that case, the nurse was quoted as saying that the facility had a policy that nurses were not to start CPR for elderly patients.1 Although this case is not exactly the same as that of Mr. Hope, it highlights the need for developing robust ethics program infrastructures in long-term care settings that work toward addressing ethical issues through policy, education, and active consultation.

Mapping the Ethical Issues of Digital Twins for Personalised Healthcare Service (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei-hua Huang ◽  
Ki-hun Kim ◽  
Maartje Schermer
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Personalised Medicine ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Ethical Values ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
Digital Twins ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
Process Oriented ◽  
Personalised Healthcare

BACKGROUND The concept of digital twins has great potential for transforming the existing healthcare system by making it more personalised. As a convergence of healthcare, artificial intelligence, and information and communication technologies, personalised healthcare services developed under the concept of digital twins raise a myriad of ethical issues. While some of the ethical issues are known to researchers working on digital health and personalised medicine, currently there is no comprehensive review that maps major ethical risks of digital twins for personalised healthcare services. OBJECTIVE This paper fills the research gap by identifying major ethical risks of digital twins for personalised healthcare services. We first propose a working definition for digital twins for personalised healthcare services (DTPHS) to facilitate future discussion on the ethical issues related to these emerging digital health services. We then developed a process-oriented ethical map to identify major ethical risks against each of the different data processing phases. METHODS This research aims to address this research gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of major ethical risks of DTPHSs. Due to the scarcity of literature on DTPHSs, we are unable to perform a systematic review of ethical concerns over DTPHSs. Thus, we resort to literature on eHealth, personalised medicine, precision medicine, and information engineering to identify potential issues. We develop a process-oriented ethical map to structure the inquiry in a more systematic way. The ethical map allows us to see how each of the major ethical concerns emerges during the process of transforming raw data into valuable information. RESULTS The process-oriented ethical analysis identified ten operational problems and the relevant ethical values. By structuring the operational problems and relevant ethical values in a clear logical flow, this process-oriented ethical map allows developers of DTPHSs and stakeholders to have a comprehensive overview of major ethical risks while refining the design of DTPHSs. The ethical values section on the map also helps developers of DTPHSs better understand which values they ought to consider while developing solutions for an operational problem they encounter.   CONCLUSIONS It is challenging to address all of the major ethical risks a DTPHS might encounter proactively without a conceptual map at hand. The process-oriented ethical map we propose here can assist developers of DTPHSs in analysing ethical risks in a more systematic manner. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

scholarly journals The ethical concerns of seeking consent from critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients for research – A matter of possessing capacity or surrogate insight

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 107-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avelino C Verceles ◽  
Waqas Bhatti
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Informed Consent ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Mechanically Ventilated ◽  
Mechanically Ventilated Patients ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
Multiple Factors ◽  
Ventilated Patients

Conducting clinical research on subjects admitted to intensive care units is challenging, as they frequently lack the capacity to provide informed consent due to multiple factors including intensive care unit acquired delirium, coma, the need for sedation, or underlying critical illness. However, the presence of one or more of these characteristics does not automatically designate a potential subject as lacking capacity to provide their own informed consent. We review the ethical issues involved in obtaining informed consent for medical research from mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients, in addition to the concerns that may arise when a legally authorized representative is asked to provide informed consent on behalf of these patients.

scholarly journals Opportunities and Challenges Surrounding the Use of Data From Wearable Sensor Devices in Health Care: Qualitative Interview Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ijeoma Azodo ◽  
Robin Williams ◽  
Aziz Sheikh ◽  
Kathrin Cresswell
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Wearable Sensor ◽  
Use Of Data ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Sensor Devices ◽  
Care Technology ◽  
International Experts

BACKGROUND Wearable sensors connected via networked devices have the potential to generate data that may help to automate processes of care, engage patients, and increase health care efficiency. The evidence of effectiveness of such technologies is, however, nascent and little is known about unintended consequences. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to explore the opportunities and challenges surrounding the use of data from wearable sensor devices in health care. METHODS We conducted a qualitative, theoretically informed, interview-based study to purposefully sample international experts in health care, technology, business, innovation, and social sciences, drawing on sociotechnical systems theory. We used in-depth interviews to capture perspectives on development, design, and use of data from wearable sensor devices in health care, and employed thematic analysis of interview transcripts with NVivo to facilitate coding. RESULTS We interviewed 16 experts. Although the use of data from wearable sensor devices in health and care has significant potential in improving patient engagement, there are a number of issues that stakeholders need to negotiate to realize these benefits. These issues include the current gap between data created and meaningful interpretation in health and care contexts, integration of data into health care professional decision making, negotiation of blurring lines between consumer and medical care, and pervasive monitoring of health across previously disconnected contexts. CONCLUSIONS Stakeholders need to actively negotiate existing challenges to realize the integration of data from wearable sensor devices into electronic health records. Viewing wearables as active parts of a connected digital health and care infrastructure, in which various business, personal, professional, and health system interests align, may help to achieve this.

scholarly journals ETHICAL CONCERNS REGARDING MALE CIRCUMCISION CULTURE: A SELECTED ETHNICAL GROUP

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 737-740
Author(s):  
Cabangile N. Ngwane
Keyword(s):  
Male Circumcision ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Community Culture ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
Indigenous Group ◽  
Values And Beliefs ◽  
Hiv Aids

: Traditional cultural practices reflect values and beliefs of members of a community. Culture is an umbrella term, which explains common things people share such as language, customs, beliefs and the way of life. This paper seeks to look at male circumcision culture of a certain indigenous group in South Africa. Male circumcision is associated with ethnic marks, virility, masculinity, rite of passage to manhood however, there are many ethical concerns centering on male circumcision. Hence, this paper seeks to explore the ethical concerns surrounding male circumcision culture of a selected ethnical group in order to contribute to ethical execution of the practice. Little has been done on ethical issues surrounding male circumcision. The fallacy surrounding this phenomenon needs further investigation. The paper intends to contribute to the debate on male circumcision as a way of mitigating HIV/AIDS infections. The Social Norm Theory has been used to explain the phenomenon under study. The constructivist research paradigm enabled the interviewing of participants from the target population, as the study is inductive in nature. The key finding was that they do male circumcision mostly in an unethical way that it also affects women and children. They also do it based on the misconception and the fallacy that they will not get HIV/AIDS.

scholarly journals Ethical Issues in Global Supply Chains

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bodo B. Schlegelmilch ◽  
Magdalena Öberseder
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Global Supply Chains ◽  
Unethical Conduct ◽  
Production Methods ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Consumer Demands

Despite all technological advances, global supply chains are always based on the interaction of people. And wherever people interact, a kaleidoscope of ethical issues emerges. While consumer demands and concerns have undoubtedly led to an increased awareness of unethical conduct in the supply chain, contravening forces, such as the relentless pressures for low cost products and the ease by which consumers are purchasing non-deceptive counterfeits, should also not be ignored. Many retailers are now embracing ethical issues by emphasising, for example, that they take care of the production methods and working conditions pertaining to the goods they offer.

Ethical concerns in Neonatal Intensive Unit: A Case Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 247-250
Author(s):  
Alma Juliet Lakra ◽  
Monica Rita Hendricks
Keyword(s):  
Neonatal Sepsis ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Hypothetical Case ◽  
Neonatal Nurses ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
The Family ◽  
Ethical Perspectives

Neonatal nurses frequently encounter neonatal ethical issues related to provision of safe and quality care and communication in the NICU setup. This article discusses the hypothetical case of baby John diagnosed with neonatal sepsis. The ethical perspectives related to care and communication with the family members while their baby is receiving treatment in the NICU will be explored through the application of the QUAR framework.

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