Written by Pamela Udejimba

The healthcare sector has been revolutionized by technology, which has improved patient outcomes and increased the efficiency of medical diagnosis. The use of technology has improved accessibility and efficiency in the healthcare industry, but it also raised ethical issues regarding the use of personal data and the potential for replacing human decision-making.  In this article, we will explore the ethics of using technology in healthcare.
Privacy and data security are two of the primary ethical issues of using technology in the healthcare industry. Information about patients is stored and shared between healthcare providers via electronic health records (EHRs), however, this data is susceptible to security breaches and hacking. Additionally, the usage of wearable technology and health applications generates private health data that may be sold to other businesses. It is important to guarantee the security of patient data and the ability to decide who gets access to it. 
Another ethical concern is the potential for technology to replace human decision-making.  AI-enabled computers can analyze large amounts of data and provide more precise diagnoses, but there is the risk of losing the human touch that is essential in healthcare. A machine cannot provide empathy or emotional support, which is a crucial aspect of healthcare. Additionally, AI-powered devices could worsen existing biases in healthcare because they are only as objective as the data they are trained on.
Furthermore, technology use has the potential to widen the gap between those who can afford healthcare and those who cannot. For people who have access to high-speed internet and the most recent equipment, telemedicine which employs technology to connect patients with healthcare specialists remotely can be a convenient option. However, those without access to such technology can be left behind, further widening healthcare disparities.
Finally, the use of technology raises ethical issues concerning patient autonomy and consent. With the use of  AI-powered machines and algorithms, healthcare decisions are increasingly being made without the direct input of patients. It is important to ensure that patients are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of using technology and that they have the right to make informed healthcare decisions.
While there are advantages to using technology in healthcare, it is important to take ethical concerns into account. Concerns about data security and privacy, the possibility that technology may take the role of people in making decisions, the increasing gap in healthcare access, and issues with patient consent and autonomy must all be addressed. 
Please share your thoughts and insight on these ethical issues and how they might be resolved to ensure the ethical application of technology in healthcare.