Public Representation of Ubiquitous ICT Applications in the Outpatient Health Sector

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Author(s): Stephanie Moser (University of Bern, Switzerland), Susanne Elisabeth Bruppacher (University of Freiburg Regina Mundi, Switzerland)and Frederic de Simoni (University of Bern, Switzerland)
Copyright: 2013
Pages: 21
Source title: User Perception and Influencing Factors of Technology in Everyday Life
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Anabela Mesquita (ISCAP/IPP and Algoritmi Centre, University of Minho, Portugal)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-1954-8.ch015

Keywords: Human Aspects of Technology / Information Science Reference / Social Sciences & Humanities

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Abstract

ICT advances will bring a new generation of ubiquitous applications, opening up new possibilities for the health sector. However, the social impacts of this trend have largely remained unexplored. This study investigates the public representation of future ICT applications in the outpatient health sector in terms of their social acceptance. Mental models of ICT applications were elicited from inhabitants of Berlin, Germany, by means of qualitative interviews. The findings revealed that the interviewees felt ambivalent about anticipated changes; only if ICT use were to be voluntary and restricted to single applications and trustworthy institutions did they expect individual benefits. Concerns about data transmission to unauthorized third parties and widespread technological dissemination forcing compulsory participation led people to feel averse to such technology. Implications for potential implementation of future ICT applications in the outpatient health sector are discussed.

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Public Representation of Ubiquitous ICT Applications in the Outpatient Health Sector

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