Discuss the new technology and the ethical issues it raises. Issues might relate to patient privacy, informed consent, data security issues, data inadequacy, or associate liabilities
Discussion – Ethical Issues Arising from New Technologies
An example of new technology in nursing that I have encountered working in the emergency room is artificial intelligence (AI). AI involves the use of computers to perform work that formerly needed human cognition (Vearrier et al., 2022). Furthermore, artificial intelligence underscores the computers’ assistive role in promoting physician skills rather than replacing them. Artificial intelligence algorithms can evaluate patient information, signs, symptoms, and medical history to help prioritize patients according to the severity of their condition (Vearrier et al., 2022).
Even though this technology has the potential for emergency care optimization, it also poses ethical challenges that need closer consideration. First, AI involves processing large amounts of patient data; therefore, patient privacy is paramount. Maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality while adhering to legal standards is important (Farhud & Zokaei, 2021). Secondly, patients may not fully understand the intricacies of AI algorithms used in triage. Emergency room nurses should ensure they educate their patients on the purpose of using artificial intelligence in their care and seek their informed consent whenever feasible (Farhud & Zokaei, 2021).
Thirdly, AI raises the ethical concern of data security. Nurses in the emergency room should be conversant in the data protection and encryption used by AI systems. Also, nurses must advocate for transparent communication with patients on how their data is being used and stored, which instills confidence in the security protocols (Farhud & Zokaei, 2021). Fourthly, even though AI can improve triage accuracy, it can be subject to data inadequacy. Nurses in the emergency rooms should be aware of the disadvantages of AI algorithms and apply their clinical judgment (Farhud & Zokaei, 2021). Lastly, in case of a hostile outcome, healthcare professionals’ accountability when involving AI in decision-making may be in question. Farhud and Zokaei (2021) note that the establishment of guidelines on the use of AI in triaging and continuous education and training is significant in mitigating the risks related to possible liabilities and errors.
References
Farhud, D. D., & Zokaei, S. (2021). Ethical issues of artificial intelligence in medicine and healthcare. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 50(11). https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v50i11.7600
Vearrier, L., Derse, A. R., Basford, J. B., Larkin, G. L., & Moskop, J. C. (2022). Artificial intelligence in emergency medicine: Benefits, risks, and recommendations. The Journal of Emergency Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2022.01.001