Posted: August 28th, 2023

The Impact of Technological Innovation on Health and Social Care Provision

Harnessing Technological Innovation for Enhanced Health and Social Care: Challenges and Prospects
The Impact of Technological Innovation on Health and Social Care Provision
Technological innovation holds immense potential to revolutionize health and social care provision across various domains, such as mental health services (Barak and Grohol, 2011), substance addiction treatment (Schoech et al, 2013), and support for individuals with disabilities (Mintz et al, 2012; Dunst et al, 2013). However, alongside the recognition of its transformative capabilities, there’s a growing concern about the ethical, privacy, and social justice implications that accompany these innovations (Social Care Institute for Excellence [SCIE], 2014). This article delves into both the opportunities and challenges stemming from the increased integration of technology in these settings. It first outlines the key challenges, followed by a reframing of these challenges to explore the potential of technology to reshape health and social care delivery. To delve deeper into these issues, the focus then turns to a specific contentious topic: surveillance. This examination includes an exploration of prevalent discourses surrounding surveillance technology in health and social care, revealing that while challenges exist, technology remains a tool that can be wielded both as an enabler and an oppressor.

Initial Challenges and Realignment

One of the foremost challenges associated with technological innovation in health and social care pertains to the readiness, training, and motivation of staff (Liddell et al, 2008; Gillingham, 2015). Traditional practice in these fields hinges on face-to-face interactions (Berzine et al, 2015), making any departure from this interpersonal approach met with resistance from professionals who fear their skills may become obsolete (Liddell et al, 2008). Consequently, the adoption of new technological solutions has been notably slower in health and social care sectors compared to private sector counterparts (Zorn et al, 2011).

In addition to practical concerns, ethical dilemmas arise from the use of technology in these contexts. A significant concern is that technology might exacerbate the very issues health and social care professionals seek to address. Research demonstrates that excessive technology use contributes to heightened depression rates and worsened symptoms (Tong Mok et al, 2014), particularly alarming in young individuals, who are more susceptible to mental health challenges due to early technology exposure (Augner and Hacker, 2012). Moreover, technology use correlates with increased childhood obesity, a pressing public health issue (Rosen et al, 2013). The risks of cyberbullying (Office of Communications, 2015), internet addiction (King et al, 2012), and online grooming (Palmer, 2015) also loom large.

However, it’s imperative to avoid succumbing to unfounded technological skepticism while neglecting the potential benefits these innovations can offer to service users and patients. Welsh et al (2003) assert that technologies are neutral, and their ethical implications arise from their application. Correspondingly, Greenfield (2014) underscores that technology’s impact hinges on its usage and cautions against viewing any technology as intrinsically positive or negative. For example, technology can facilitate engagement with demographics historically challenging to reach, like young men (Ellis et al, 2012). Additionally, new technological mediums can effectively deliver traditional interventions, such as person-centered counseling (Vossler, 2010).

Navigating Surveillance

To provide depth to this discourse, a specific aspect warrants closer examination: surveillance. Health and social care services confront heightened concerns about privacy, as competing priorities complicate the management of these apprehensions (Zwijsen et al, 2011; Mortenson et al, 2015). On one hand, the legislative and policy framework mandates information sharing among professionals. Yet, these obligations contrast with the fundamental right to privacy outlined in the Human Rights Act 1998 (Section 8). Adding to these challenges is the General Data Protection Regulation 2016, enforcing rigorous responsibilities on data handling and sharing.

Amid these competing concerns, society’s heightened focus on surveillance extends to health and social care settings (Mortenson et al, 2015). Health and social care institutions are shifting from being concerned about surveillance to worrying if adequate surveillance is absent, facilitated by advanced technology like telecare sensors, GPS devices, cameras, and smart health recording tools (Mortenson et al, 2015). Clear guidelines from bodies like the Care Quality Commission (CQC, 2015) and SCIE (2014) underscore the prevalence of surveillance technology in these sectors.

Balancing Benefits and Ethical Considerations

While surveillance technologies offer advantages for health and social care service users, such as empowering older adults to stay in their homes (Perry et al, 2010; Andruszkiewicz and Fike, 2015) and uncovering abuses (Flynn, 2012), the ethical implications should not be sidelined (Perry et al, 2010; Gillingham, 2015). Crucially, differing viewpoints on risks tied to surveillance technologies exist among managers, practitioners, and patients (Essen and Conrick, 2008; Mortenson et al, 2015).

An in-depth analysis benefits from exploring the discourses prevalent in this realm. According to Foucault (1980: 93), discourse refers to variable ways of defining knowledge and truth. Key discourses around surveillance typify the debate, including the technical discourse focusing on system functionality and the rights discourse gauging the appropriateness of these systems (SCIE, 2014). A movement advocating for “no information about me without me” underscores the connection between privacy, surveillance, consent, and capacity (Cantor, 2006: 49; SCIE, 2014). While the technical discourse fuels innovation, it lacks space for these discussions, necessitating a balanced consideration of rights alongside it (SCIE, 2014). While technology can indeed reshape service provision, its positive impact depends on how it aligns with social justice and service improvement, crucial objectives in this sector (Goldkind and Wolf, 2015).

In conclusion, this article has explored the intricate interplay between challenges and opportunities presented by technological innovation in health and social care. Professionals, managers, and policymakers in these domains will determine how these innovations shape their fields. Challenges have been outlined, followed by a perspective shift that reveals the potential of technology to redefine health and social care delivery. The exploration of surveillance underscores the influence of discourses in shaping perceptions. Upholding the discourse of rights will be central in harnessing the transformative potential of these innovations while safeguarding ethical considerations.

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