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;
The purpose of this study was to develop a privacy framework that could inform the development, adoption, and use of home-based technologies for older adults. A five-part privacy framework was developed and then tested through a qualitative exploration of older adults’ perceptions. Focus-group sessions were conducted with 64 community-dwelling older adults. Transcriptions were analyzed using a grounded-theory approach. Participants’ concerns about privacy were more contextualized than the previously defined framework. Factors that influenced perceptions of privacy were identified as perceived usefulness, the importance of social relationships, data granularity, and the sensitivity of activities. Data analysis and gerontological theory was then used to develop a new framework. It is concluded
The purpose of this study was to develop a privacy framework that could inform the development, adoption, and use of home-based technologies for older adults. A five-part privacy framework was developed and then tested through a qualitative exploration of older adults’ perceptions. Focus-group sessions were conducted with 64 community-dwelling older adults. Transcriptions were analyzed using a grounded-theory approach. Participants’ concerns about privacy were more contextualized than the previously defined framework. Factors that influenced perceptions of privacy were identified as perceived usefulness, the importance of social relationships, data granularity, and the sensitivity of activities. Data analysis and gerontological theory was then used to develop a new framework. It is concluded that older people's perception of risk that may be less than actual risk, and that technologies should enable user-centered transparent data control.
This article discusses the progress the dignity campaign has made in raising awareness and understanding of the issues. The article also explains how Leeds health and social care services implemented their Dignity in Care campaign.
This article discusses the progress the dignity campaign has made in raising awareness and understanding of the issues. The article also explains how Leeds health and social care services implemented their Dignity in Care campaign.
Subject terms:
older people, privacy, quality of life, rights, dignity;
New monitoring technologies can help older people to continue to live independently in the community and at the same time can threaten their privacy, security, and autonomy. The author puts forward the principle 'no information about me without me' to ensure that informed consent is obtained and that it is clear who has access to the information.
New monitoring technologies can help older people to continue to live independently in the community and at the same time can threaten their privacy, security, and autonomy. The author puts forward the principle 'no information about me without me' to ensure that informed consent is obtained and that it is clear who has access to the information.
Subject terms:
information technology, older people, privacy, alarm systems, assistive technology;
Health and Social Care in the Community, 16(4), July 2008, pp.337-346.
Publisher:
Wiley
... of technology, such as safety alarms, are used at home. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of elderly persons through testing a mobile safety alarm and their reasoning about safety, privacy and mobility. The mobile safety alarm tested was a prototype in development. Five elderly persons with functional limitations and four healthy elderly persons from a pensioners' organisation tested are more important than privacy" emerged. The mobile safety alarm was perceived to offer an increased opportunity for mobility in terms of being more active and as an aid for self-determination. The fact that the informants were located by means of the positioning device was not experienced as violating privacy as long as they could decide how to use the alarm. It was concluded that this mobile safety alarm was experienced as a tool to be active and mobile. As a way to keep self-determination and empowerment, the individual has to make a "cost–benefit" analysis where privacy is sacrificed to the benefit of mobility and safety. The participants were actively contributing to the development process.
The demographic development indicates an increased elderly population in Sweden in the future. One of the greatest challenges for a society with an ageing population is to provide high-quality health and social care. New information and communication technology and services can be used to further improve health care. To enable elderly persons to stay at home as long as possible, various kinds of technology, such as safety alarms, are used at home. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of elderly persons through testing a mobile safety alarm and their reasoning about safety, privacy and mobility. The mobile safety alarm tested was a prototype in development. Five elderly persons with functional limitations and four healthy elderly persons from a pensioners' organisation tested the alarm. The mobile alarm with a drop sensor and a positioning device was tested for six weeks. This intervention was evaluated with qualitative interviews, and analysed with latent content analysis. The result showed four main categories: feeling safe, being positioned and supervised, being mobile, and reflecting on new technology. From these categories, the overarching category "Safety and mobility are more important than privacy" emerged. The mobile safety alarm was perceived to offer an increased opportunity for mobility in terms of being more active and as an aid for self-determination. The fact that the informants were located by means of the positioning device was not experienced as violating privacy as long as they could decide how to use the alarm. It was concluded that this mobile safety alarm was experienced as a tool to be active and mobile. As a way to keep self-determination and empowerment, the individual has to make a "cost–benefit" analysis where privacy is sacrificed to the benefit of mobility and safety. The participants were actively contributing to the development process.
Subject terms:
information technology, mobility, older people, privacy, alarm systems;
... being met. To support this, homes had enough skilled and knowledgeable staff, they had taken steps to protect people from the risk of abuse, and they kept accurate records to support people’s care. However, people living in one in six of the care homes (80 homes) did not always have their privacy and dignity respected or were not involved in their own care. All the inspections were unannounced, each
(Original abstract)
Report of an inspection of 500 care homes, which were inspected on five standards: respecting and involving people who use services; meeting their nutritional needs; safeguarding them from abuse; staffing; and records. Almost two-thirds (316) of the homes inspected met all the standards checked. This meant that staff were respecting and involving people and that people’s nutritional needs were being met. To support this, homes had enough skilled and knowledgeable staff, they had taken steps to protect people from the risk of abuse, and they kept accurate records to support people’s care. However, people living in one in six of the care homes (80 homes) did not always have their privacy and dignity respected or were not involved in their own care. All the inspections were unannounced, each scheduled to include a mealtime. Excerpts from individual inspection reports illustrate what worked well and what needed to improve.
(Original abstract)
Subject terms:
dignity, care homes, older people, residents, nutrition, privacy, nursing homes;
... to support people’s care. However, People living in one in six of the care homes (80 homes) did not always have their privacy and dignity respected or were not involved in their own care.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Report of an inspection of 500 care homes. Almost two-thirds (316) of the homes inspected met all the standards checked. This meant that staff were respecting and involving people and that people’s nutritional needs were being met. To support this, homes had enough skilled and knowledgeable staff, they had taken steps to protect people from the risk of abuse, and they kept accurate records to support people’s care. However, People living in one in six of the care homes (80 homes) did not always have their privacy and dignity respected or were not involved in their own care.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
dignity, care homes, older people, residents, nutrition, privacy;
Comparing the results of the 2011 dignity and nutrition review with these latest findings, the inspectors found that more hospitals were meeting people’s nutritional needs. However, fewer hospitals were treating patients with dignity and respect. 50 hospitals were inspected against five standards: respecting and involving people; meeting their nutritional needs; safeguarding them from abuse; staffing; and records. 33 hospitals were meeting all five standards. At the other end of the scale, three hospitals were meeting just two of the five standards, one hospital was meeting only one and one was not meeting any.
(Original abstract)
Comparing the results of the 2011 dignity and nutrition review with these latest findings, the inspectors found that more hospitals were meeting people’s nutritional needs. However, fewer hospitals were treating patients with dignity and respect. 50 hospitals were inspected against five standards: respecting and involving people; meeting their nutritional needs; safeguarding them from abuse; staffing; and records. 33 hospitals were meeting all five standards. At the other end of the scale, three hospitals were meeting just two of the five standards, one hospital was meeting only one and one was not meeting any.
(Original abstract)
Subject terms:
dignity, nutrition, patients, hospitals, privacy, health care, older people;
This inspection report compares the results of the 2011 dignity and nutrition review with the 2012 findings. The main findings are that more hospitals are meeting people’s nutritional needs but there are fewer hospitals where patients are always treated with dignity and their privacy and independence respected.
(Original abstract)
This inspection report compares the results of the 2011 dignity and nutrition review with the 2012 findings. The main findings are that more hospitals are meeting people’s nutritional needs but there are fewer hospitals where patients are always treated with dignity and their privacy and independence respected.
(Original abstract)
Subject terms:
nutrition, hospitals, dignity, older people, health care, privacy, patients;
Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 11(1), January 2012, pp.49-59.
Publisher:
Sage
This study investigated a patient garment developed for the care of people with severe memory problems, severe learning difficulties and brain injuries. A patient garment is designed to prevent undressing in socially inappropriate situations and/or to stop the user from removing an incontinence pad. This study is based on interviews with 14 designers of medical textiles, 9 dementia patients and 3 family carers in Finland. Results indicated that both designers and patients found patient garment to be infantilising and stigmatising for the user but accepted the basic functions of the product. The authors report on the results of a design project aimed at designing a new type of garment that takes into account the technical requirements but provides a more dignified look and opportunities for activity. Finally, they explore the ethical issues concerning the use of this kind of product in dementia care settings.
This study investigated a patient garment developed for the care of people with severe memory problems, severe learning difficulties and brain injuries. A patient garment is designed to prevent undressing in socially inappropriate situations and/or to stop the user from removing an incontinence pad. This study is based on interviews with 14 designers of medical textiles, 9 dementia patients and 3 family carers in Finland. Results indicated that both designers and patients found patient garment to be infantilising and stigmatising for the user but accepted the basic functions of the product. The authors report on the results of a design project aimed at designing a new type of garment that takes into account the technical requirements but provides a more dignified look and opportunities for activity. Finally, they explore the ethical issues concerning the use of this kind of product in dementia care settings.
Subject terms:
incontinence, older people, privacy, dementia, dignity, head injuries;