Ethical Issues on eHealth

Abstract

EHealth refers to the use of information and communication technologies to improve or enable health and healthcare. In a broader sense, it characterizes not only technical development but also a state of mind, a way of thinking, an attitude, and a commitment for networked, global thinking, to improve health care by using information and communication technology (Eysenbach, 2001). EHealth involves new forms of patient-physician interaction as opposed to the traditional face to face contact and poses new challenges and threats to ethical issues; Fundamental values at stake in eHealth include: candour and honesty, quality of products, services and information, respect for individuals, right to give informed consent, privacy and confidentiality. Also at stake is good professionalism and good business practice. The purpose of this study is to establish what ethical code of ethics is considered in the development and implementation of eHealth services and how it is enforced. Qualitative research method was used in which major stakeholders in eHealth activities such as Entrepreneurs (Medixine), Espoo city, and Healthcare educators (Laurea University of Applied Sciences) were interviewed and the data collected was analyzed using deductive content analysis. The findings will shed more light on the phenomenon ethical issues in eHealth and make possible recommendations. This study examines some of the potential ethical concerns and carefully looks into what and how major players in eHealth services incorporate safeguards/ethical protocols in the development and implementation of eHealth services. The findings suggest that ethical codes have been considered in the development of eHealth services; a lot still has to be done to build trust in society considering that this is a relatively new phenomenon.