Technoethical Considerations for Advancing Health Literacy and Medical Practice: A Posthumanist Framework in the Age of Healthcare 5.0

Introduction

Over the centuries, the healthcare landscape has undergone remarkable transformations in concert with technological advancements and societal changes. In its humble beginnings, traditional medicine relied on herbal remedies and rudimentary practices. Over time, it has progressively expanded into a sophisticated domain complemented by scientific discoveries and medical breakthroughs. The culmination of this evolutionary journey is the age of Healthcare 5.0 (Mbunge et al., 2021). Many scholars characterized this transformative era by the seamless integration of advanced technologies and data-driven insights into the healthcare domain. Healthcare 5.0 represents a paradigm shift that leverages artificial intelligence (Soni et al., 2023), blockchain technology (Rehman et al., 2022), the Internet of medical things (Natarajan et al., 2023), cloud computing (Chi et al., 2023), machine learning (Abbas et al., 2023), and other various cutting-edge technologies. One of the most significant developments within this context is the proliferation of human-machine integration, where humans and machines collaborate synergistically to achieve new frontiers in medical practice. For instance, surgical robots like the da Vinci Surgical System have revolutionized minimally invasive procedures (Lee, 2016). This technology enables precision and dexterity beyond the limitations of human hands. Moreover, machine learning algorithms applied to medical imaging have bolstered diagnostic accuracy (Mishra et al., 2023). All these advancements have equipped healthcare professionals with more reliable and timely assessments. As we explore the implications of this human-machine partnership, it becomes evident that the integration of emerging technologies into the health domain has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery and patient experiences alike.

Following the proliferation of innovative technologies, health literacy takes on paramount significance as healthcare becomes increasingly complex. The effective communication of medical information to patients and the public becomes even more substantial as a result. Health literacy emboldens individuals to comprehend and navigate the intricacies of healthcare systems, make informed decisions about their well-being, and actively engage in their care (Garcia et al., 2023). Moreover, as emerging technologies continue to permeate medical practice, the impact on patient care and the healthcare landscape at large becomes undeniable. Advanced technologies such as robotics, telemedicine, big data analytics, and wearable devices are redefining the boundaries of medical diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures (Maaliw et al., 2022). These innovations not only enhance the efficiency and precision of medical interventions but also necessitate a heightened level of health literacy among patients. Fulfilling this demand ensures responsible and meaningful utilization of these technologies (Uunona & Goosen, 2023). The integration of emerging technologies into medical practice also underscores the symbiotic relationship between health literacy and the effective adoption of cutting-edge healthcare solutions. More importantly, the arrival of the Healthcare 5.0 era necessitates a comprehensive grasp of the implications associated with emerging technologies. Understanding these implications is imperative to fully harness the potential of this epoch, ultimately resulting in improved healthcare outcomes and a more informed and empowered patient population.

Main Focus of the Chapter

The study of technoethics emerges as an indispensable endeavor in the modern age across various domains (e.g., Mandal, 2021; Omand & Phythian, 2021). As a multidisciplinary field, technoethics delves into the ethical ramifications of technology development, deployment, and usage, particularly regarding its influence on human life and society. The exploration of this concept gains even greater importance within the framework of Healthcare 5.0, as the smooth integration of advanced technologies into the healthcare domain gives rise to intricate moral, societal, and philosophical dilemmas. Therefore, our primary goal is to explore technoethical considerations for advancing health literacy and medical practice within a posthumanist framework. Technoethics will serve as the lens through which we navigate the intricate ethical challenges arising from the convergence of human, machine, and technology-driven medical interventions. By shedding light on these complex ethical dilemmas, we aim to foster a comprehensive understanding of the socio-ethical landscape in which healthcare technology operates. Embracing a posthumanist perspective encourages us to reevaluate traditional boundaries, inviting a more inclusive and holistic understanding of humanity's relationship with technology. This framework prompts us to question preconceived notions about human exceptionalism and recognize the interconnectedness of technological advancements and human existence (Dekeyser, 2023). Ultimately, our embrace of a posthumanist framework enables us to discern the ethical ramifications of integrating advanced technologies into healthcare, with a focus on promoting the well-being of both individuals and society at large.

Emerging Technologies in Healthcare

Fostering Health Literacy through Emerging Technologies

The advent of emerging technologies in healthcare has opened unprecedented opportunities to promote health literacy and empower individuals to take charge of their well-being (Almeida, 2023; Dunn & Hazzard, 2019; Manganello et al., 2017). One significant development in this domain is the emergence of digital health applications, which act as potent allies in disseminating accurate and easily accessible health information. These tools capitalize on the ubiquitous nature of smartphones and the Internet to provide users with a wealth of health-related information, educational resources, and interactive platforms tailored to their specific health needs. Through personalized health recommendations (Garcia et al., 2021), medication reminders (Goh et al., 2019), or simply access to reliable medical information (Çalış et al., 2023), users can deepen their understanding of health conditions and available treatment options. For instance, mobile applications (e.g., Garcia et al., 2022) equipped with features to monitor dietary habits and physical activity levels offer valuable insights that can encourage informed lifestyle choices and better health outcomes. By democratizing health information and presenting user-friendly interfaces, these digital tools serve as indispensable resources in enhancing health literacy across diverse populations (Tomé & Coelho, 2023). This enhanced knowledge empowers individuals to take a more active role in managing their healthcare journey.

In addition to individual empowerment, emerging technologies play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between patients and healthcare providers. For instance, Electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals facilitate seamless communication and information sharing (Chen & Decary, 2019). With access to their medical records, treatment plans, and secure communication channels with their healthcare teams, transparency and shared decision-making are promoted. Furthermore, the proliferation of personal health monitoring devices constitutes another exemplification of how emerging technologies can foster health literacy. Some examples of these tools include wearable fitness trackers, smartwatches, and home-based medical devices. Revano and Garcia, (2021) combined these technologies to create a device (i.e., iVital) that enables continuous monitoring of vital signs and health metrics. Consequently, this device offers personalized insights and empowers its users to proactively manage their health. Another instance is a home blood pressure monitoring device that promptly alerts users to irregularities (Nozato et al., 2023), which can lead to timely medical intervention and heightened health awareness. Through seamless integration with smartphone applications and cloud-based platforms, data sharing and analysis enable informed discussions between patients and healthcare providers thereby promoting a collaborative approach to health management.

Beyond individual health monitoring, new promising technologies have also revolutionized health information accessibility and dissemination (Jacobs et al., 2017). The emergence of telemedicine and remote healthcare services has surpassed geographical constraints, granting patients in remote areas access to global medical expertise and resources. Leveraging video consultations, individuals can promptly receive medical advice, avail of specialized consultations, and seek second opinions. These opportunities contribute to a more thorough understanding of their health conditions and available treatment options. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual clinics have been deployed to sustain some level of healthcare service delivery (Venessa et al., 2022). The implementation of such digital services further exemplifies the significance of these technologies in overcoming barriers to healthcare access. Moreover, advancements in natural language processing and intelligent chatbots facilitate interactive and comprehensible health communication. These advancements cater to diverse linguistic and literacy levels (Solanki et al., 2023). By embracing these transformative tools, the healthcare industry takes a momentous stride towards fostering health literacy for all, cultivating a society better equipped to manage its health and well-being. The synergy of emerging technologies and health literacy empowerment represents a promising pathway to a healthier and more informed population.

Impact of Emerging Technologies on Medical Practice

Rapid technological advancements in various medical specialties have also considerably impacted the field of medical practice. Medical professionals now approach diagnosis, treatment, and surgical procedures differently due to the influence of new technologies. Notably, the integration of human enhancement technologies has emerged as a significant area of progress. As described by Cinel et al., (2019), human enhancement encompasses techniques and approaches that aim to improve body or cognitive functions through performance-enhancing drugs, prosthetics, medical implants, and other innovative methods. This development has engendered paradigm shifts in healthcare as astounding progress in prosthetics and bionics has culminated in seamless integration with the human body (Frossard et al., 2022). Restoring lost functionality to individuals grappling with limb deficiencies is now achievable. Simultaneously, the advent of cognitive and memory enhancement technologies shows immense promise in the management of neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive disorders (Dresler et al., 2019; Ziegler et al., 2022). These innovative approaches present new avenues for addressing conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, where cognitive decline is a significant challenge. In terms of medical decision-making, it is unsurprising that artificial intelligence has emerged as an indisputable game-changer (Lobo, 2023). Diagnostics and treatment planning systems harness vast datasets and comprehensive patient records to provide indispensable support to physicians in rendering accurate and timely diagnoses. Such unprecedented capabilities have led to enhanced disease detection at early stages, concomitantly reducing misdiagnoses and substantially ameliorating patient outcomes. Medical experts consider machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence, a powerful tool for analyzing multimodal factors to predict treatment outcomes (e.g., Chekroud et al., 2021). Furthermore, its prowess in predicting treatment responses and patient prognoses has bestowed medical practitioners with the capacity for personalized treatment plans and medical interventions to cater to the unique needs of individual patients (Tavares et al., 2023). Through these advancements, the medical community can now extend improved quality of life and enhanced physical and cognitive capabilities to patients.

In the quest for precision medicine, the emergence of new technologies has also been instrumental in propelling advances in personalized medical care. Notably, the integration of genomics and genetic testing has empowered medical professionals to identify genetic predispositions to diseases (Abul-Husn et al., 2014). This approach has paved the way for targeted preventive measures and individualized treatment approaches. Additionally, pharmacogenomics has revolutionized drug administration by predicting individual responses to medications (Shim et al., 2023). This technique ensures patients receive the most effective and safest therapeutic regimens. The discovery of biomarkers has likewise fueled the development of targeted therapies that can optimize treatment outcomes while minimizing deleterious effects (Guo et al., 2022). These innovative approaches empower medical practitioners to proffer treatments that resonate with greater precision, efficacy, and personalization. Advancements in surgical procedures have also been significantly influenced by the integration of new technologies. The utilization of robotics in minimally invasive surgeries has endowed surgeons with enhanced dexterity and precision (Lee, 2016). Employing surgical robots enables smaller incisions, reduced scarring, and expedited patient recovery. Another advancement is a surgical navigation system that can provide real-time, three-dimensional (3D) visualization of patient anatomy during surgeries. This medical tool can substantially augment surgical accuracy and mitigate risks (Chen et al., 2015). The advent of 3D printing has also culminated in the fabrication of customized medical devices and implants, finely attuned to the unique anatomical characteristics of patients (Barua et al., 2023). These technological strides collectively underscore a renaissance in surgical care, unlocking novel prospects for intricate procedures and ushering in unprecedented patient outcomes.

Technology, Ethics, and Posthumanism

Acknowledging Technological and Practical Barriers in Healthcare 5.0

Alongside the apparent benefits and advantages of technology integration, Healthcare 5.0 introduces an intricate web of challenges that demand systematic investigation and resolution. One of the primary barriers pertains to the seamless integration of technologies into the current healthcare infrastructure (Garcia & Garcia, 2023). Transitioning to a more technologically advanced healthcare system requires harmonization with legacy infrastructures and workflows. The coexistence of outdated systems with emerging technologies often results in compatibility issues, data interoperability problems, and potential disruptions in medical workflows. Moreover, the adoption of novel technologies necessitates significant financial investments, which might be particularly challenging for smaller healthcare facilities with limited resources. This financial constraint can hinder the adoption of advanced technological solutions, leaving some institutions struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of innovation. Furthermore, the upskilling and continuous education of healthcare professionals become essential to effectively navigate these technological barriers (Silva et al., 2023). Without adequate training and knowledge, healthcare providers may face difficulties in utilizing and maximizing the potential of cutting-edge tools and systems that may lead to suboptimal patient outcomes. Interdisciplinary collaboration and communication also emerge as critical factors (Zumstein-Shaha & Grace, 2023), as integrating various technologies requires seamless interaction among different stakeholders (e.g., medical professionals, engineers, policymakers, and patients). Overcoming these barriers necessitates a collective effort and cooperation among all parties involved in the healthcare ecosystem. Societal acceptance and cultural adaptability of novel technologies may also play a significant role in determining the success of Healthcare 5.0 implementation. Understanding the cultural contexts and values of diverse populations helps tailor the adoption of technologies to specific healthcare needs to ensure inclusivity and equitable access to advanced medical solutions.

Ethical and Moral Dilemmas in Health Literacy and Medical Practice

The rapid proliferation of cutting-edge technologies in healthcare calls for a comprehensive reassessment of traditional ethical frameworks to determine their applicability and efficacy in guiding modern healthcare practices. This notion is in line with the proposition put forth by Mbunge et al., (2021), who also advocated for a similar approach in response to the emergence of new methodologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, a key concern among stakeholders is data privacy and security following the pervasive integration of EHRs. The vast amount of patient data collected and stored within these systems requires robust data protection measures and stringent adherence to ethical guidelines to prevent unauthorized access and potential misuse (Tertulino et al., 2023). The reliance on algorithms and artificial intelligence in medical decision-making presents another ethical challenge, where the need for transparency, accountability, and human oversight is paramount to maintain trust and uphold the ethical principle of beneficence. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the use of ChatGPT in medical decision-making and its overall integration in the health domain (e.g., Garcia, 2023). While large language models like ChatGPT hold the promise of enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment recommendations, they also introduce concerns about the comprehensibility and interpretability of their decisions. The black-box nature of machine learning algorithms can make it challenging for healthcare professionals to comprehend the reasoning behind computer-generated suggestions, potentially eroding trust in the decision-making process. The digitization of healthcare also introduces concerns about equitable access. Timmermans and Kaufman, (2020) cautioned that health technologies could aggravate pre-existing health disparities, particularly among vulnerable populations who may encounter obstacles in adopting digital health tools. Prior research has suggested several strategies to tackle these disparities, including enhancing health literacy (Mantwill et al., 2015), bridging the digital divide (Haider et al., 2021), and increasing public awareness (Ahmed et al., 2020). In their study, Yao et al., (2022) conducted a scoping review to map the disparities in healthcare services arising from the adoption of digital health technologies. While many of these ethical and moral considerations may be pertinent to Healthcare 5.0, a compelling necessity exists to reassess current frameworks. Embracing a posthumanist perspective can offer a balanced approach that improves healthcare outcomes while upholding the core values of empathy, compassion, and patient-centered care.

Exploring the Posthumanist Landscape of Technology and Medicine

From a philosophical perspective, posthumanism challenges conventional notions of human exceptionalism and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of existence that incorporates both non-human entities and artificial intelligence. Rooted in critical theory and postmodern philosophy, posthumanism emphasizes the intricate interconnectedness between human beings, technology, and the environment (Bolter, 2016). It contends that humanity should not be perceived as a fixed and static category but rather as a dynamic and ever-evolving entity. In the context of Healthcare 5.0, the symbiotic relationship between humans and technology has reached unprecedented levels. Prosthetics, wearable devices, and brain-computer interfaces have become integral to medical interventions as tools to enhance human capabilities and extend life (e.g., Frossard et al., 2022; Zhang et al., 2020). Consequently, the traditional boundaries of what it means to be human are being redefined. This evolution necessitates a reevaluation of the concepts of autonomy, agency, and selfhood, which have profound implications for medical ethics and patient care. Following the core tenets of posthumanism, there is a necessity to also recognize the cultural and social constructs shaping our perceptions of technology and medicine. By acknowledging diverse perspectives, beliefs, and values, we can avoid the imposition of a monolithic technological ideology on different communities. Technology integration into healthcare should be mindful of potential biases and the reinforcement of existing societal inequalities. As we navigate the uncharted territories of Healthcare 5.0, adopting a posthumanist framework provides an avenue to grapple with the complexities of humanity's relationship with technology and medicine. By embracing the principles of inclusivity, ethics, and cultural sensitivity, we can ensure that advancements in healthcare technology align with the values and aspirations of diverse populations thereby paving the way for a more human-centric future.

Technoethical Framework for Healthcare 5.0

In response to the burgeoning influence of emerging technologies, there arises an urgent need for a comprehensive and forward-looking technoethical framework to guide the responsible integration of these innovations in the healthcare landscape. In this chapter, we propose a technoethical framework designed to navigate the intricate intersection of healthcare and technology while upholding ethical principles and safeguarding societal welfare. This framework serves as an ethical compass to guide the healthcare industry towards a collective vision of prioritizing health literacy and medical practice. Central to this technoethical paradigm are the stakeholders involved, each carrying distinct responsibilities towards safeguarding ethical values, and collectively engaging in activities that underpin the conscientious integration of technology in healthcare (See Figure 1). By harmonizing the transformative potential of technology with technoethical considerations, the healthcare industry can seek to improve patient outcomes and overall healthcare delivery in an equitable, sustainable, and morally conscientious manner.

Stakeholders

At the heart of the proposed technoethical framework for healthcare lies the critical consideration of stakeholders, constituting the first and foremost component. In this context, stakeholders encompass a diverse array of individuals, organizations, and entities that hold a vested interest in the development, deployment, and utilization of healthcare technologies. In Healthcare 4.0, the involvement of stakeholders has been deemed necessary and essential (Garcia et al., 2019; Laurisz et al., 2023). For this framework, stakeholders include healthcare providers, patients, researchers, regulatory bodies, technology developers, policymakers, and society. Recognizing the multifaceted roles and perspectives of these stakeholders is essential in understanding the complex interplay of interests, expectations, and potential impacts that arise from the integration of technology in healthcare (Wu et al., 2019). Effectively engaging with stakeholders ensures a more inclusive and participatory approach, wherein diverse voices contribute to shaping policies, ethical guidelines, and best practices in the domain of healthcare technology. By fostering collaborative partnerships and open dialogue among stakeholders, the technoethical framework seeks to achieve a harmonious synergy between technological advancement and human well-being, underscoring the shared responsibility of all involved in building a sustainable and ethically grounded future for healthcare.

Responsibilities

The second pivotal component of the technoethical framework for healthcare is the delineation of responsibilities vested upon the various stakeholders involved. Each stakeholder assumes distinct obligations that contribute to the ethical integration of technology in healthcare (Huotari & Havrdová, 2016). In some cases, these responsibilities overlap, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in upholding ethical standards. Healthcare providers, as frontline caregivers, bear the responsibility of employing technological innovations in a manner that enhances patient care, ensuring that compassion and empathy remain central to the caregiving process. Patients, on the other hand, are tasked with actively participating in their own healthcare decisions and providing informed consent for the use of their data in research and technology development. Researchers carry the weight of conducting rigorous and unbiased studies to ascertain the efficacy and safety of emerging technologies. Regulatory bodies play a critical role in creating and enforcing guidelines that govern the responsible use of healthcare technology, safeguarding patient rights, privacy, and data security. Technology developers must adopt a commitment to designing user-friendly, secure, and transparent solutions, while policymakers need to develop and advocate for policies that encourage equitable access to healthcare technology and minimize disparities. Lastly, the broader society has the responsibility of being informed and engaged, fostering public discourse around technoethical considerations, and supporting initiatives that prioritize the well-being of individuals and the collective populace. Through a shared understanding and adherence to these responsibilities, the technoethical framework endeavors to fortify the ethical underpinnings of healthcare technology, promoting a symbiotic relationship between technological advancement and ethical stewardship.

Ethical Values

The third component of the technoethical framework is ethical values, which serve as the bedrock of the entire construct. These values act as guiding principles that dictate the moral course of action for all stakeholders involved in the integration of technology within the healthcare domain. By upholding these ethical values, the framework aspires to cultivate an environment founded on integrity, empathy, and profound respect for human dignity (Mbunge et al., 2021). It is within this context that Table 1 presents a comprehensive array of technoethical considerations. Embracing these ethical tenets enables the conscientious development, deployment, and utilization of healthcare technology, ensuring that advancements in this sphere remain harmoniously aligned with the collective welfare of all stakeholders.

Activities

The last component of this technoethical framework entails a comprehensive exploration of activities that align with the established ethical values and responsibilities of the stakeholders. These activities serve as a practical guide that outlines the necessary steps and best practices for integrating technology in a responsible and ethically conscious manner. Activities encompass a wide range of initiatives, including conducting thorough risk assessments to identify potential ethical challenges, implementing robust data governance protocols to ensure privacy and security, promoting ongoing education and training on technoethical considerations for all involved parties, and engaging in transparent communication with patients regarding the use and implications of healthcare technology. Additionally, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among stakeholders is essential in driving collective efforts to address complex technoethical issues. These activities form a cohesive framework, empowering stakeholders to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare technology with due diligence, prudence, and unwavering commitment to upholding ethical values. By emphasizing purposeful and informed activities, the technoethical framework for healthcare strives to create a culture of ethical excellence, where technological advancements work in harmony with ethical principles to optimize healthcare outcomes and improve the overall well-being of individuals and society. The sample activities are presented in Table 2.

Conclusion and Future Works

This chapter has explored the dynamic interplay of technology and ethics in the context of health literacy and medical practice, particularly through a posthumanist lens. As we progress further into the era of Healthcare 5.0, it is imperative to acknowledge the profound impact of emerging technologies on both health literacy and medical practice. The integration of innovations such as artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and wearable technology has not only enhanced the efficacy of medical treatments and interventions but also redefined the patient experience, emphasizing the need for heightened health literacy. Nevertheless, this technological revolution brings with it a host of ethical dilemmas and challenges. The responsibility of maintaining patient privacy, ensuring equitable access to advanced medical care, and navigating the complexities of human-machine integration are paramount. It is in this context that the technoethical framework proposed in this chapter becomes critical. This framework serves as a guiding compass to navigate these challenges, ensuring that technological advancements are leveraged responsibly and ethically to enhance healthcare outcomes.

Looking ahead, there are several key areas where future work is essential:

1. Continued Ethical Evaluation: As technology evolves, so too should our ethical frameworks. Ongoing research and reassessment of technoethical principles are consequently crucial to keep pace with rapid technological changes.
2. Enhancing Health Literacy: There is a need for innovative strategies to improve health literacy, particularly in understanding emerging technologies. Future initiatives should focus on creating accessible educational resources for diverse populations.
3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The complexities of integrating technology in healthcare call for collective efforts across various disciplines. Future work should foster partnerships between technologists, healthcare professionals, ethicists, and patients.
4. Policy and Regulation Development: As new technologies emerge, so does the need for robust policies and regulations to govern their use. Future efforts should be directed at developing comprehensive policies that balance innovation with ethical considerations.
5. Technology Accessibility and Equity: Ensuring equitable access to advanced healthcare technologies remains a significant challenge. Future work must focus on reducing disparities and promoting inclusivity in healthcare technology.
6. Exploring Posthumanist Implications: The posthumanist perspective opens new avenues for understanding the relationship between humans and technology. Future studies should delve deeper into the implications of this perspective.

In conclusion, as we venture deeper into the age of Healthcare 5.0, we must continue to evaluate and adapt our approaches, ensuring that technological advancements in health literacy and medical practice are aligned with ethical standards and contribute positively to patient care and societal well-being. In this journey, we must remember that at the heart of every technological innovation lies the fundamental goal of enhancing human life. Our pursuit is not just about advancing medicine and healthcare but about nurturing a more compassionate, equitable, and understanding world where every individual has access to the care they need and the knowledge to make empowered health decisions. This vision requires us to harness technology not as an end in itself, but as a means to enrich human connections, deepen our empathy, and uphold the dignity of every person we serve. Let us move forward with a renewed commitment to this noble cause, carrying the torch of hope and humanism into a future where technology and ethics converge to create a healthier, more inclusive, and more compassionate world for us all.

Additional Reading

Albuquerque, C. (Ed.). (2019). Emerging Trends and Innovations in Privacy and Health Information Management. IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-8470-4

Almeida, R. P. (Ed.). (2022). Handbook of Research on Improving Allied Health Professions Education: Advancing Clinical Training and Interdisciplinary Translational Research. IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-9578-7

Garcia, M. B., Lopez Cabrera, M. V., & de Almeida, R. P. (Eds.). (2023). Handbook of Research on Instructional Technologies in Health Education and Allied Disciplines. IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-7164-7

Kanojia, S. (Ed.). (2024). Bridging Health, Environment, and Legalities: A Holistic Approach. IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-1178-3

Olszewski, J. (2024). Ethics for Mental Health Professionals. IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-8607-8

Thompson, S. J. (Ed.). (2021). Machine Law, Ethics, and Morality in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-4894-3

Key Terms and Definitions

Ethics: Ethics refers to the moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conduct of an activity. In various fields, including business, medicine, and technology, ethics plays a crucial role in guiding decisions and actions. It involves considerations of what is right and wrong, fair and unfair, and is often shaped by societal, cultural, and personal values.

Healthcare 5.0: Healthcare 5.0 represents the advanced stage in the evolution of healthcare services, integrating the latest technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This concept extends beyond the digital transformation heralded by Healthcare 4.0, emphasizing hyper-personalization, enhanced patient engagement, and more efficient, technology-driven healthcare delivery systems.

Health Literacy: Health literacy is the ability of individuals to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. It includes the capacity to navigate the healthcare system, fill out complex forms, share personal information, and understand the risks and benefits of different treatments.

Medical Practice: Medical practice refers to the work that doctors and other healthcare professionals do to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness and injury in patients. It encompasses a range of activities, from conducting physical examinations and prescribing medications to performing surgeries and providing long-term care.

Technoethics: Technoethics is a field of research that focuses on the ethical aspects of technology within a societal context. This includes the responsibilities of those who design, use, and distribute technology and consider how technology impacts human life and society. It covers a wide range of topics, from data privacy and cybersecurity to the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and biotechnology.