This is an example of computer automation, which is where computers are being used in

place of humans to be used to carry out tasks. Computers might be used for a variety of
reasons to increase efficiency and reduce costs for a business or in this case a hospital and
have an effect on many stakeholders.

One potential ethical benefit of implementing this drug delivery system is that it could help
to reduce the cost of healthcare for the citizens who need it. Implementing these automated
systems means that the hospital may not have to hire so many staff as the computers can
reduce the workload, as a result of hiring fewer staff means that the hospital can save
money and reduce running costs. If the running cost of the hospital is lower, it means that
they can lower the costs of the hospital treatment. This will have a positive ethical benefit
on those wishing to admit themselves or others to these hospitals as it may mean that those
who maybe couldn’t afford it otherwise can now get the treatment that they need.
However, the negative ethical effect of these automated systems replacing human workers is
that they can create a higher amount of unemployment and leave some people without
work. As stated, before these machines can be used to replace human workers as it is
cheaper to use them. If computers replace humans, it may mean that people will lose their
jobs. This will have a negative ethical impact as there is a potential that people who lose
their jobs may find it difficult to find another job or may be dependent on their job to be
able to pay their bills and groceries etc which will have a negative impact on their life.
Another potential ethical downside of implementing this system in the hospital is that it may
decrease how comfortable the patients feel within the hospital. Since the vast majority of
patients in this hospital will be elderly and old age it means that most of them won’t be too
comfortable/understanding of technology in the modern world. As a result of this, it means
that some patients will not feel as safe having a computer administering their drugs. This
could have a negative ethical effect as it may cause these patients distress and discomfort in
their stays in the hospital.
However, despite the lack of trust in computers, it is possible for computers to be more
reliable than human workers. Since computers don’t ever tire, need breaks, or become ill
etc, it is far less likely that the computers will make a mistake like that, whereas a human
might make an error due to tiredness or illness and cause an accident. This would lead to a
positive effect as it could prevent accidents and ensure the patient’s safety as the computer
will make fewer mistakes.

In conclusion, I believe that using computers for automating drug delivery will have a mostly
negative ethical impact. Despite the potential positive impacts such as reducing hospital
costs and the possibility of preventing mistakes, I believe that other negative effects
outweigh this. I believe that elderly patients having peace of mind through human
interaction and keeping people employed are essential, therefore this system should not be
implemented.