Ethical Tensions in the Use of Real-Time Location Systems in Dementia Care: Balancing Safety, Privacy, and Autonomy.

With the increased use of technological supports in residential care homes, there is growing interest in the use of real-time location systems (RTLS) to enhance safety and streamline care. However, these technologies raise significant ethical concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations such as...

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Publicado en:American Journal of Bioethics Vol. 26; no. 9; pp. 138 - 151
Autores principales: Liougas, Madalena Pamela, Grigorovich, Alisa, Bianchi, Andria, Haslam-Larmer, Lynn, Shum, Leia, Iaboni, Andrea, McMurray, Josephine
Formato: Journal Article
Publicado: Taylor & Francis Ltd Sep2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Sep2026
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      pub: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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        atl: Ethical Tensions in the Use of Real-Time Location Systems in Dementia Care: Balancing Safety, Privacy, and Autonomy.
      aug:
        au:
          Liougas, Madalena Pamela
          Grigorovich, Alisa
          Bianchi, Andria
          Haslam-Larmer, Lynn
          Shum, Leia
          Iaboni, Andrea
          McMurray, Josephine
        affil: KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network
      sug:
        subj:
          Dementia Therapy
          Patient Safety
          Relational Autonomy
          Privacy and Confidentiality
          Ethics, Medical
          Geographic Information Systems
          Residential Care
          Digital Technology
          Special Populations
          Nursing Home Residents
          Social Justice
          Bioethics
          Family
          Health Policy
          Wearable Sensors
          Long Term Care
          Consent
      ab: With the increased use of technological supports in residential care homes, there is growing interest in the use of real-time location systems (RTLS) to enhance safety and streamline care. However, these technologies raise significant ethical concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations such as residents living with dementia. This paper critically examines the ethical tensions arising from RTLS implementation, focusing on autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. A feminist bioethics critique broadens the discussion, emphasizing relational autonomy and epistemic injustice. A composite case study illustrates the challenges faced by residents, staff, and families, revealing gaps in consent processes, data ethics, and the impact on compassionate care. Recommendations include continuous consent mechanisms, ethical data use policies, enhanced staff training, and strategies to counter epistemic injustice. By integrating principles from feminist bioethics, this paper offers a comprehensive framework for ethically integrating RTLS into dementia care, balancing technological innovation with human dignity and compassionate care.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype: Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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