Which of the following best describes an ethical concern in medical technology?

The concern about patient privacy and data security stands out as a significant ethical issue in medical technology. As healthcare increasingly adopts digital tools and electronic health records, the volume of sensitive personal health information being generated and stored grows exponentially. This creates vulnerabilities regarding unauthorized access and data breaches, which can compromise patient confidentiality.

Moreover, the ethical obligation to protect patient data goes beyond mere compliance with regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the U.S. It's fundamental to the trust that is essential in the patient-provider relationship. Patients need to feel confident that their private information will remain confidential and that it will not be misused or disclosed without their consent.

While the development of new medical devices, the cost of treatments, and the pace of technological advancements present challenges and considerations, they do not encapsulate the specific ethical dilemma posed by the safeguarding of patient data. Addressing privacy and security is critical not only to meet legal standards but also to uphold ethical standards of care in the evolving landscape of medical technology.