Examining how ethics in relation to health technology is described in the research literature: A Scoping Review (Preprint)

Abstract

Given the increased use of technology in healthcare, both in extent and application, the importance of understanding the ethical implications of new health technologies increases. Profound insight into the possible ethical implications of new health technologies enhances research and development of such technologies and the likelihood of eventual successful implementation in clinical practice.

The objective of this study was to gain an understanding of how and if researchers focused on health technologies describing actual or possible ethical aspects of their research findings.

An established framework for Scoping reviews was used to guide the methodology. Studies published in PubMed over the last ten years were included if studying or referring to ethics in relation to health technology as defined by established frameworks. In total, 14532 articles were screened, 692 were retained for full-text evaluation, and 227 were included for data extraction.

Just above 80% of the studies were conducted in North America and Europe; literature review studies were dominant. Most studies, 53%, had no direct reference to any of the four basic ethical principles: beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice. In those cases where studies referenced ethical theory, consequentialism dominated.

When research about technology and ethics is published, the predominant focus is on its intent rather than its actual effect on patients. This lack of insight is problematic considering the vast advancement of technology in which ethics cannot keep up with understanding and offer insights on addressing ethical issues. This finding has implications for practice, research, and education.