Trust and Autonomy in the age of Digital Patient Monitoring

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing precision medicine and patient care by enabling connectivity between treatments with integrated technology and the healthcare professional. The pharmaceutical industry views IoT as an opportunity for innovation and profit, particularly as drug patents expire. The emergence of Pharma IoT firmly places patients in center of precision medicine, in which pharmaceutical products increasingly integrate digital components. IoT applications in healthcare include smart drug delivery systems, remote monitoring, and real-time data collection, improving patient outcomes and treatment personalization. Despite these advancements, IoT implementation in healthcare raises ethical, legal, and regulatory challenges. This contribution focuses on analysing how such digital therapies affect two fundamental values. Firstly, trust, a pillar on which the care relationship is based. The value of reasonable trust in the care relationship in a context of digitalised medicine will be addressed. Secondly, the principle of autonomy, which informs clinical practice. This section focuses on the imbalances of power and external influences on patient autonomy, the risks and biases inherent in the operation of sophisticated technologies, and the search for a balance between autonomy, transparency and the protection of public health. The conclusion underscores the need to balance technological progress with ethical and legal considerations. While IoT offers promising advancements for personalized medicine, its successful implementation depends on robust regulatory frameworks that protect patient rights while fostering innovation.

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