Title: Balancing technological innovation, ethical norms, and legal constraints: A responsible innovation framework for digital health technologies in stroke rehabilitation
Abstract:
Aim: To explore the ethical and legal challenges arising from the widespread use of digital health technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in stroke rehabilitation, and to propose a responsible innovation framework that balances technological progress with ethical and legal considerations.
Methods: Guided by the theory of responsible innovation, this study adopts a full- cycle framework of "anticipate - engage - respond - reflect" to systematically analyze the ethical tensions (dynamic privacy protection, excessive reliance on technology, neglect of vulnerable groups) and legal contradictions (full-chain responsibility attribution, flexible rules for cross- border data governance, legal protection for special groups) in the application of digital health technologies in stroke rehabilitation. The analysis incorporates a multi-stakeholder approach, including patients, clinicians, technology developers, and regulatory bodies.
Results: The study identifies key ethical issues such as the challenge of maintaining privacy in dynamic contexts, the risks of excessive dependence on technology, and the potential marginalization of vulnerable populations. Legal concerns include the need for clear responsibility attribution throughout the technological process, the adaptation of data governance frameworks to accommodate cross-border challenges, and ensuring legal protections for special groups in the digital rehabilitation space.
Conclusions: By synthesizing ethical and legal perspectives, this paper proposes a dynamic equilibrium model of "technological innovation - ethical norms - legal constraints" that aims to guide the responsible and sustainable application of digital health technologies in stroke rehabilitation. The model offers both theoretical insights and practical pathways for healthcare institutions, technology developers, and policymakers to navigate these challenges effectively.
