Autonomy in Assistive Technology for The Elderly: Not as Simple as “Plug N Play”

This inquiry concerns different implementations of Assistive Technology (AT) systems, and how their technical design requirements should be properly created to respect patient autonomy. In the current discussion of AT systems, there is little regard for the identity of the patient, and the relationships that exist between actors are not adequately considered. The refusal to develop a context-specific definition for “the patient” often causes the patient’s capabilities and needs to be overlooked, eliminating their autonomy. To demonstrate how “the patient” can be developed correctly, this inquiry consults statistical evidence to properly characterize the patient’s expectations, needs, and concerns about AT systems. The data reveal that the elderly value AT that preserve their life in emergencies or otherwise, and trust these elements the most. On the other hand, the elderly are much more wary of AT elements that assist with everyday tasks, and often view them as threats to autonomy. Furthermore, this inquiry consults a case study of new “sensor-floor” technology that is implemented a Danish care center. This analysis represents an example of establishing relational requirements of an AT system that derive from the relationships between different actors. In the case of “sensor-floors” the new technology both enhanced and reduced patient autonomy, depending on how it affected the relationship between care worker and patient. Workers indicated that the “sensor-floors” reduced the amount of random checks, affording patients greater independence. However, the technology also gave care workers access to much more sensitive data, presenting an autonomy risk.

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

STS Advisor: Kent Wayland