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

2. 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

3. NEAC identified values
Mana
People first
Independence
Interdependence
Best interests
Solidarity

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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,

8. NEAC contacts Website: http://neac.health.govt.nz/home