| Abstract [eng] |
Mhealth is a growing field that uses mobile technology and network communication to revolutionize healthcare delivery. It encompasses wearable and non-wearable devices, smartphone applications, and machine learning algorithms. While mHealth offers promising solutions for improving healthcare accessibility, especially in mental health, it also presents ethical challenges that need consideration. The aim of the work: To examine ethical issues surrounding the application of mHealth in a mental healthcare context and explore the ethical challenges, this thesis aims to shed light on the complexity of the ethical landscape of mHealth. Methods: This is a narrative review of the topic and given the novelty of the subject, the search was conducted for recent, 2019-2024, peer reviewed articles via Google Scholar, PubMed, and the Web of Science and recent blogposts. For definitions and historical facts, older sources were used. The following terms were used to locate articles relevant to the topic: Ethical Issues in mHealth and Mental Health and What is mHealth and Ethical Principles in Healthcare and Evolution of Mobile Technology. Variations of these terms were used to ensure adequate results. Results and Conclusions: Privacy and Confidentiality emerge as significant concerns due to potential data breaches and the misuse of personal information by mHealth apps. Informed consent processes are often inadequate, raising questions about user autonomy and comprehension. Issues of equity and accessibility consist, while certain populations face barriers to accessing mHealth services. The impact on the doctor-patient relationship is nuanced, with remote communication offering convenience but compromising personal connection. Data security remains contentious, with regulations often failing to adequately protect user data. Mhealth holds promise for transforming healthcare delivery. Ethical considerations must be prioritized to ensure patient privacy, autonomy, and safety. Regulatory bodies must implement stricter guidelines to address ethical challenges posed by mHealth applications. Developers must prioritize user privacy and security and healthcare providers must be adequately trained to navigate the ethical dilemmas in mHealth interventions to maintain the patient trust and safety. |
