Ethical issues in Dementia Care: Electronic tracking Assoc Prof Wayne Miles National Ethics Advisory Committee

Tagging and tracking technologies Use of technologies such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Electronic tracking devices may enhance the personal safety of people with dementia by alerting caregivers to potential dangers or adverse events that might threaten their health and safety

NEAC identified values Mana People first Independence Interdependence Best interests Solidarity

Positives enables person with dementia to continue with activities or interests people first allows caring in the community for a longer period of time independence reduces the distress of family caregivers solidarity least restrictive method of managing walking around in dementia best interests creates a more secure environment for people with dementia and promotes individual autonomy best interests and mana

Negatives contrary to human dignity and freedom because of the inherent invasion of privacy mana devices could diminish the human contact between people with dementia and their environments interdependence threatens autonomy independence implies that people with dementia are irresponsible and require constant supervision and surveillance

Key issues balancing rights and risks implications for privacy consent to usage and mental capacity does it fit with person-centred care ? creating stigma addressing some of the needs of carers

References Landau, Werner, Auslander, Shoval, Heinik. Attitudes of Family and Professional Care-Givers towards the Use of GPS for Tracking Patients with Dementia: An Exploratory Study. British Journal of Social Work, 2009, 39(4), 670–692 Bantry White, Montgomery. Electronic tracking for people with dementia: An exploratory study of the ethical issues experienced by carers in making decisions about usage. Dementia, 2014, Vol. 13(2), 216–232 Zwijsen, Niemeijer, Hertogh. Ethics of using assistive technology in the care for community-dwelling elderly people: An overview of the literature. Aging & Mental Health Published online: 14 Apr 2011. Smithard. Family carers/next-of-kin perceptions of home-care technology: a review. Smart Homecare Technology and TeleHealth, 2014, 2: 45–53. Landau, Werner, Shoval, Heinik. What do cognitively intact older people think about the use of electronic tracking devices for people with dementia? A preliminary analysis. International Psychogeriatrics, December 2010, 1301-1309

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