UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Engineering medical Ethics

Ethical case study group assignment

NAME ID

ALI KASSAW……………………………. 00779/10

Submitted to: Mr. Mesfin. M

Submission date: 09/04/2023

Gondar, Ethiopia
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First, thanks to GOD who helps us in everything and who deserves compliments and glory
before anything. Next, we would like to thank Mr. Mesfin who gives us this assignment and
make us know more about ethical and moral values.
Case study 1: Smart meters and conflicting values as an opportunity to innovate

Ethical Question:

How should conflicting values between the benefits of smart meters and the concerns of privacy
and control be weighed and addressed?

Summary of Main Issues:

The case explores the introduction of smart meters, which use digital technology to measure and
report energy usage, in the context of conflicting values among stakeholders. Some stakeholders,
such as energy companies and government regulators, are interested in the economic and
environmental benefits of smart meters, including more efficient energy usage and cost savings.
Others, however, are opposed to smart meters on the basis of privacy concerns, potential health
risks associated with electromagnetic radiation, and the social and economic inequalities that
may arise if low-income households or vulnerable populations are disproportionately impacted
by the technology.

Facts and Questions

Relevant Facts Questions that Remain:

 How can the potential risks and

 Smart meters are being introduced in benefits of smart meters be measured
countries around the world as a way to and evaluated in a fair and
improve energy efficiency and reduce comprehensive way?
costs.  What measures can be taken to
 Some stakeholders have expressed address the concerns around privacy
concerns about privacy, health, and and health risks?
social equity related to smart meters.  How can social equity be ensured in
 The benefits of smart meters include the implementation of smart meters?
more accurate energy usage data,
reduced energy bills, and reduced
greenhouse gas emissions.
Stakeholder values

Stakeholders Values of each stakeholder Bioethical principle(s) given

priority

Individuals and households Individuals and households Autonomy and Respect for
may value privacy, control Persons
over their energy usage, and
the potential cost-savings of
more efficient electricity use.

Private companies and Maximizing Benefits

utility providers Private companies and utility
providers may value the
potential profits and benefits
of implementing smart meters.

Government and regulatory Government and regulatory Maximizing Benefits/

bodies bodies may value Minimizing Harms
environmental sustainability,
energy efficiency, cost
savings, and the potential
benefits for public health.

Health advocates and Low- Potential health risks Beneficence and justice
 income households associated with
electromagnetic radiation,
Social and economic equity,
protection from unfair burden

Principle and elements

Principle and elements The study meets the elements The study does not meet the
of this principle because… elements of this principle
because…
Respect for persons It acknowledges the vulnerable populations may
 Respect right to make importance of respecting the be disproportionately
choices, hold views, and autonomy and privacy of impacted by the technology
take actions according to individuals who may be and may not have adequate
personal beliefs. impacted by the rollout of resources to protect their
 Protect those with reduces smart meters. privacy or health concerns.
capacity to make their It also recognizes the need to
own choice. obtain informed consent from
 Ensure voluntary individuals who may be
participation. impacted.

 Provide informed
consent, explaining harms
and benefits.
Beneficence  it recognizes the potential it acknowledges the potential
 Minimize the harm/risks benefits of smart meters risks associated with the
to the greatest extent. in reducing energy usage technology and the need for
 Maximize the potential and greenhouse gas further research and
benefits. emissions. evaluation.
 Ensure that the rights and  smart meters have the
well-being of the patient potential to reduce energy
take precedence over the usage and costs, which
 needs of science. can benefit society and
the environment.
However,
Justice  it does not adequately
 Justly distribute benefits address the potential
and burdens of the social and economic
research inequalities that may arise
 Guard against vulnerable from the implementation
populations. of smart meters.
 Ensure fair selection of  More specifically, the
research participants. study lacks a
 Guard against coercion comprehensive plan for
and undue influence. ensuring that vulnerable
 Avoid potential financial populations are not
or other conflicts of unfairly burdened by the
interest. technology.

Justification

The case study illustrates the complex ethical issues that arise in the context of new technologies
with potential benefits and risks for different stakeholder groups. To ensure that bioethical
principles are prioritized and that social equity is maintained, it is important to engage in
transparent and inclusive dialogue among stakeholders, and to develop comprehensive plans for
evaluating and addressing potential risks and benefits. In this case, measures such as robust data
protection policies, informed consent protocols, and initiatives to support vulnerable populations
could help to promote the ethical implementation of smart meters. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary
approach that integrates ethical, social, and scientific perspectives is essential for ensuring a
balanced and equitable approach to new technologies.

Recommendation
1. Engage in transparent and inclusive dialogue among stakeholders to understand their
concerns and perspectives.

2. Develop a comprehensive plan to evaluate and address potential risks and benefits
associated with smart meters, including data privacy, potential health risks, and social
equity.

3. Prioritize bioethical principles when evaluating the risks and benefits of smart meters,
including respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.

4. Implement measures such as robust data protection policies, informed consent protocols,
and initiatives to support vulnerable populations to promote a balanced and equitable
approach to smart meter implementation.

5. Ensure that vulnerable populations are not unfairly burdened by the technology by
providing resources and support to those who may be impacted.
Case study 2: Testing a newly developed artificial heart

Ethical question

Should a biomedical engineer test a newly developed artificial heart on a dying patient who has
no other medical options?

Summary of main issues

A biomedical engineer has developed a new artificial heart and must decide whether to test it on
a dying patient who has no other medical options. This decision involves balancing the potential
benefits of the artificial heart against the risks to the patient's life.

Facts and Questions

Relevant Facts Questions that Remain:

 Are there any other patients who could

 The patient has no other medical
options and is going to die without the
intervention of the artificial heart.
 The artificial heart has been developed
and is ready for testing.
 There are risks associated with testing
the artificial heart on a human subject.
benefit from the artificial heart?
 Have animal tests been conducted? If
so, what were the results?
 What are the specific risks associated
with testing the artificial heart on a
human subject?
 What are the potential benefits of the
artificial heart?

Stakeholder values

Stakeholders Values of each stakeholder Bioethical principle(s) given

priority

Patient Potential benefits of the Beneficence, Respect for

artificial heart. persons
 Biomedical engineer Advancement of medical Beneficence
technology.

Medical community Advocacy for patient safety Non-maleficence, Beneficence

Principle and elements

Principle and elements The study meets the elements The study does not meet the
of this principle because… elements of this principle
because…
Respect for persons The patient is given the it is unclear if the patient
 Respect right to make choice to participate in the fully understands the risks
choices, hold views, and testing of the artificial heart associated with being the first
take actions according to patient to receive the new
personal beliefs. technology.
 Protect those with reduces
capacity to make their
own choice.
 Ensure voluntary
participation.
 Provide informed consent,
explaining harms and
benefits.
Beneficence  The potential benefits of the effectiveness of the
 Minimize the harm/risks the artificial heart could artificial heart is unknown
to the greatest extent. potentially add to the and it could pose more harm
  Maximize the potential medical field and save than good to the patient.
benefits. future patients' lives.
 Ensure that the rights and
well-being of the patient
take precedence over the
needs of science.
Justice  The patient is given the  this could be seen as
 Justly distribute benefits opportunity to receive a unfair as this option is not
and burdens of the treatment that is not yet available to other patients
research available to the public. who may need it.
 Guard against vulnerable
populations.
 Ensure fair selection of
research participants.
 Guard against coercion
and undue influence.
 Avoid potential financial
or other conflicts of
interest.

Justification

While there are risks associated with testing the artificial heart on a human subject, the potential
benefits for the patient who has no other medical options cannot be ignored. By respecting the
patient's autonomy and giving them the option to participate in testing the artificial heart, the
principle of respect for persons is upheld. The biomedical engineer has a duty to advance
medical technology, and the potential benefits of the artificial heart align with the principle of
beneficence. The medical community must prioritize patient safety, but also has a duty to
promote innovation in medical treatments that may benefit patients. Society values innovative
medical treatments, which aligns with the principle of beneficence. Overall, the potential benefits
of the artificial heart justify the risks of testing it on a dying patient who has no other medical
options, as long as the patient's autonomy is respected, and measures are taken to minimize risks
and ensure patient safety.

Recommendation

the recommendation would be to proceed with the testing of the artificial heart on the dying
patient who has no other medical options, with the patient's informed consent and with proper
measures taken to minimize risks and ensure patient safety. The potential benefits of the artificial
heart for the patient outweigh the risks, and respecting the patient's autonomy is paramount. The
biomedical engineer and medical community should also prioritize patient safety while
advancing medical technology and promoting innovative medical treatments that may benefit
society.

Case Study 3: The Challenge of Patents and Intellectual Property

Ethical questions
Should Susan patent her breast cancer diagnosis technology or not?

Summary of the main issues in the case

Susan is a biomedical engineer who developed a new technology that can diagnose breast cancer
with much greater accuracy. Susan holds a patent on the technology, which she hopes to use to
start a company and bring it to the market.

However, Susan is faced with a dilemma. If she patents the technology, other researchers and
engineers may not be able to build on her work to create even better solutions. On the other hand,
if she doesn't patent the technology, she risks losing out on the benefits of her invention.

What should Susan do? Should she prioritize her own financial gains, or should she focus on the
broader goal of improving healthcare for all patients? How can she balance the benefits of
patents and intellectual property with the goal of fostering collaboration and innovation in
biomedical engineering?

Facts and Questions

Relevant Facts(known) Questions that Remain(unknown)

 Susan has developed a new breast  What are the potential benefits of
cancer diagnosis technology patenting the technology beyond
 She holds a patent on the technology financial gain?
 Patenting the technology will limit  Can Susan find a balance between
other researchers from building on it patenting the technology and allowing
 Not patenting the technology may risk others to build on her work?
losing out on benefits

Stakeholder values
 Stakeholders Values of each stakeholder Bioethical principle(s) given
priority

Susan Financial gain, recognition for Beneficence

her invention Autonomy
Other researchers Access to Susan's technology Beneficence, justice
for further development

Patients Improved breast cancer Beneficence

diagnosis accuracy
Society Improved healthcare Beneficence
outcomes, access to new
medical technologies

Principle and elements

Principle and elements The study meets the elements The study does not meet the
of this principle because… elements of this principle
because…
Respect for persons The study meets the elements
 Respect right to make of this principle because
choices, hold views, and Susan is considering the
take actions according to impact of her decision on
personal beliefs. other researchers and the
 Protect those with reduces potential benefits to society
capacity to make their beyond financial gain.
own choice.
 Ensure voluntary
participation.
 Provide informed consent,
explaining harms and
 benefits.
Beneficence  The study meets the
 Minimize the harm/risks elements of this principle
to the greatest extent. because Susan's
 Maximize the potential technology has the
benefits. potential to improve
 Ensure that the rights and breast cancer diagnosis
well-being of the patient accuracy, which could
take precedence over the ultimately save lives.
needs of science. However if Susan patents
the technology, it could
potentially limit access to
it by other researchers and
healthcare professionals,
which may not be fair to
all patients.
Justice  The study meets the  The study does not meet
 Justly distribute benefits elements of this principle the elements of this
and burdens of the because Susan is principle because if Susan
research weighing the potential patents the technology, it
 Guard against vulnerable benefits and drawbacks of could potentially limit
populations. her decision and access to it and only
 Ensure fair selection of considering the impact on benefit those who can
research participants. all stakeholders. afford it. This may not be
 Guard against coercion fair to all patients and
and undue influence. may lead to disparities in

 Avoid potential financial healthcare access and

or other conflicts of outcomes.

interest.
Justification and recommendation:

Susan should consider patenting her technology while finding ways to ensure other researchers
can build on her work. This could be achieved through licensing agreements or collaborations
with other researchers. By patenting her technology, Susan can protect her financial interests
while still allowing other researchers to build on her work and potentially improve upon it,
ultimately benefiting patients and society as a whole. Furthermore, Susan could use profits from
her invention to further research and development in the field of breast cancer diagnosis, further
fulfilling the principles of beneficence and justice.