BIP Digital Health – Technology for managing healthcare interventions

See Blended Intensive Programmes for background and context.

Other presentations I delivered during this BIP in Digital Health:

• Key considerations for the responsible use of digital health technologies.
• Technology to support the intervention process.

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Presentation title – Technology for recording and managing interventions

Download the presentation.

In this presentation (11 April 2024) as part of the BIP in Digital Health, Joost van Wijchen and I explore the critical role of technology in healthcare interventions, arguing that it is not neutral and can significantly influence practice. We discuss various technologies used to capture patient data, such as EHRs, sensors, mobile apps, and wearables, and how their design can prioritise efficiency over patient-centred care.

We talk about the consequences of uncritical technology adoption, including the erosion of patient autonomy, exacerbation of healthcare disparities, and a focus on task completion rather than individual needs. In the presentation, we describe how user interface design may not always align with patient-centred care goals, and encourage questioning the assumptions and values embedded in digital health technologies.

The presentation highlights the need for ethical considerations in digital health, such as data privacy, consent, equity, and access. It also addresses the environmental impact of digital health technologies and the global digital divide, emphasising the importance of sustainable design and equitable access.

Looking towards the future, we discuss emerging trends and technologies, such as wearables and virtual reality. In addition, we stress the need to carefully consider their potential benefits and challenges. Healthcare technology creators should act as spiritual caretakers, designing technology that supports patient well-being.

We believe in a future where digital health technology empowers patients, strengthens therapeutic relationships, and revolutionises care delivery. However, throughout the presentation, we also advocate for thoughtful technology design that aligns with patient-centred care values, critically analysing defaults, biases, and assumptions in healthcare technology.