Table 1 Key ethical themes and subthemes for the early detection of disease risk factors
From: Ethics of early detection of disease risk factors: A scoping review
Main themes | Sub themes |
|---|---|
Reliability and uncertainty in early detection | Validity, sensitivity, and specificity of the detection methods Predictive value and reliability of the detection methods Data biases The complexity of big data |
Autonomy | Informed consent Health competencies Empowerment and responsibility for health |
Privacy | Data protection Confidentiality |
Beneficence and non-maleficence | Harmful psychological effects False-positive and false-negative results Actionability of test results Behavior and lifestyle change Risk communication |
Downstream burdens on others | Changing perceptions of “at-risk individuals” Direct and indirect implications for family and significant others |
Responsibility | Individual responsibilities for health Collective and societal responsibilities for health |
Justice | Stigmatization and discrimination Health inequities Equitable and efficient use of financial resources |
Medicalization and conceptual disruption | Reconceptualization of health and disease Overdiagnosis and overtreatment |