Health apps and wearables - The ethics of e-health part 1

More and more people are using apps and wearables to monitor their own health. The government sees opportunities for the use of this technology in healthcare for preventive purposes. The idea is that people can improve their health or prevent illness based on self-measurements. This can lead to cost savings in healthcare. Moreover, the possibility of self-management could enhance the patient’s sense of autonomy and well-being. However, the increasing supply and use of such apps and wearables also gives rise to certain ethical issues. At the request of the Minister for Medical Care and Sport, the CEG has mapped out these issues.