Ethical Implications of New Technologies in the Care and Decision-Making of Critically Ill Patients
Main Article Content
Abstract
The integration of artificial intelligence, big data, and telemedicine into intensive care is transforming the way clinicians make decisions and care for critically ill patients. In daily ICU practice, these tools can support diagnostic precision, guide ventilation strategies, and help anticipate clinical deterioration.1,2 However, their adoption also demands a careful ethical approach. Issues such as transparency, equity, and patient autonomy must remain at the center of implementation to ensure that technological progress truly translates into safer and more humanized care.3 It is essential for clinicians to understand how these algorithms work, to validate their results, and to recognize when automated recommendations may not fit the clinical context.
At the same time, predictive models and tele-ICU systems have opened new possibilities for early detection and continuous monitoring, particularly in settings with limited resources.4-7 Yet, as these systems rely on large datasets, they also expose challenges related to privacy, data protection, and algorithmic bias. Future development must prioritize interpretability, data security, and equitable access across institutions.8,9 For AI to become a reliable ally in critical care, it must remain under human supervision, with informed consent processes adapted to this new context.10 Ultimately, technological innovation should not replace clinical judgment but rather enhance it—allowing intensivists to make faster, safer, and more ethically sound decisions.
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References
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