Ethical concerns with the use of intelligent assistive technology: findings from a qualitative study with professional stakeholders

• DOI: 10.1186/s12910-019-0437-z
• Publication Date: 2019-12-19T18:03:25Z
• Authors: Tenzin Wangmo; Mirjam Lipps; Reto W. Kressig; Marcello Ienca
• Keywords: Philosophy of medicine; Thematic Analysis

Abstract Background Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and wearable computing are creating novel technological opportunities for mitigating the global burden of population ageing improving quality care older adults with dementia and/or age-related disability. Intelligent assistive technology (IAT) is umbrella term defining this ever-evolving spectrum intelligent applications disabled population. However, implementation IATs has been observed to be sub-optimal due a number barriers translation from designing labs bedside. Furthermore, since these technologies designed used by vulnerable individuals age- multi-morbidity-related frailty cognitive disability, they perceived raise important ethical challenges, especially when involve machine intelligence, collect sensitive data or operate close proximity human body. Thus, goal paper explore assess issues that professional stakeholders perceive development use elderly care. Methods We conducted multi-site study involving semi-structured qualitative interviews researchers health professionals. analyzed interview using descriptive thematic analysis inductively relevant challenges. Results Our findings indicate find patient autonomy informed consent, management, distributive justice contact as priorities. Divergences emerged relation how interpreted, conflicts between different principles resolved what solutions should implemented overcome current Conclusions general agreement among on promises challenges raised users. Yet, notable divergences persist regarding can strategies safe effective IATs. These provide developers useful information about unmet needs. Study results may guide policy makers firsthand possible ethically-aligned governance.