The importance of ethical aspects when implementing eHealth services in healthcare: A discussion paper

Abstract

AIM: The aim of this paper was to discuss the importance of ethical aspects when implementing eHealth services in health care. BACKGROUND: Challenges in healthcare today include a growing older population and, as a consequence, an increased need for healthcare services. One possible solution is the use of eHealth services. DESIGN: Discussion paper. DATA SOURCES: Research literature published from 2000-2017 in CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Implementing eHealth services in health care involves ethical challenges where different technologies can solve different problems in different ways. eHealth services should therefore be developed and implemented based on the patient's specific needs and conditions for use and in accordance with the healthcare professionals' presumption to provide high-quality care. CONCLUSION: To preserve patients' integrity, dignity and autonomy, healthcare professionals must include ethical aspects when implementing and using eHealth services in health care. Healthcare professionals have to take responsibility for the eHealth services introduced, explaining why and how they are implemented based on a person-centred approach. More knowledge is needed about ethical aspects when implementing eHealth services to improve the quality of care.

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