Ethical Questions in Medical Electronic Adherence Monitoring

Electronic adherence monitors (EAMs) record and report an array of health behaviors, ranging from taking daily medications to wearing medical devices. EAMs are utilized in research worldwide and are being investigated for clinical use. However, there is also growing popular concern about the extent...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of general internal medicine : JGIM 2016-03, Vol.31 (3), p.338-342
Main Authors: Campbell, Jeffrey I., Eyal, Nir, Musiimenta, Angella, Haberer, Jessica E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adhesion
Autonomy
Confidentiality - ethics
Electronic devices
Electronic equipment
Ethics
Humans
Internal Medicine
Medical electronics
Medical equipment
Medical research
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Monitoring, Ambulatory - ethics
Patient Compliance
Perspective
Privacy
Research ethics
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Summary:Electronic adherence monitors (EAMs) record and report an array of health behaviors, ranging from taking daily medications to wearing medical devices. EAMs are utilized in research worldwide and are being investigated for clinical use. However, there is also growing popular concern about the extent to which electronic devices may be used to monitor individuals, including allegations in the media that EAMs represent a move towards “Big Brother” in medicine. Here, we highlight the unique benefits as well as the potential ethical challenges that electronic adherence monitoring generates. These challenges surround autonomy, privacy and confidentiality, trust, and ancillary care obligations. We describe key questions within each of these domains that warrant further investigation, and present potential solutions to many of the concerns raised.
ISSN:0884-8734
1525-1497
DOI:10.1007/s11606-015-3502-4