Technology’s entry into healthcare complicates the ethics discussion. Patient data is more plentiful and accessible than before. In Australia, for example, consumers are hesitant to opt-in to the country’s “My Health Record” due to fears about privacy and data protection. In Germany, the health system is far behind when it comes to electronic health records, in part because it is unclear who can access the data and where it should be stored. Unfortunately, the country is missing out on opportunities to deliver better care and save money. In the U.K., media and healthcare stakeholders reacted badly to the announcement that information from the NHS website would be available on Alexa. In addition, AI-powered solutions are raising fears about built-in bias. Providers worry that technology will disrupt the cherished patient-provider relationship and contribute to physician burn out. Tech-fueled healthcare innovations sometimes overpromise and underdeliver, reinforcing the view that healthcare can fall short of expectations. As a result, the ethical debate is gaining momentum, adding an entirely new set of issues and voices to the conversation. 5
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