Ageing and Society, 31(8), November 2011, pp.1350-1367.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
... detectors are classified under four headings: autonomy; privacy; benefit; and the use of resources. It is argued that these issues arise out of the nature of the technology itself, and the way that this technology is integrated into the day-to-day support package of the person for whom it is provided. It is suggested that manufacturers have a duty to provide information about the ethical side-effects
This article explores the ethical issues raised by the use of fall detectors – a form of remote monitoring technology designed to enhance the well-being of adults at risk from falling. The article begins with a description of the fall detection devices currently available and a summary of how these devices carers to respond in particular ways. The ethical issues associated with the use of fall detectors are classified under four headings: autonomy; privacy; benefit; and the use of resources. It is argued that these issues arise out of the nature of the technology itself, and the way that this technology is integrated into the day-to-day support package of the person for whom it is provided. It is suggested that manufacturers have a duty to provide information about the ethical side-effects associated with the use of a particular device, and that the process of making a decision to provide a person with a fall detector should include a checklist of questions designed to enable decision makers to work through the ethical issues raised. Implications for practice are discussed.
Subject terms:
older people, privacy, assistive technology, falls, ethics;