Exploring lay ethics in e-health: Attitudes and moral values among the elderly in Poland

This study aims to explore the ethical values and attitudes of elderly individuals in Poland toward e-health technologies, focusing on how lay ethics differ from professional ethical considerations. Methodology: The research employed individual in-depth interviews with 20 elderly participants and uses vignettes to present ethical dilemmas related to e-health tools. The vignettes were designed to contrast various moral values such as privacy vs. survival, normal behavior vs. health benefits, and autonomy vs. equal access. Results: The findings indicate that elderly participants often prioritize human contact over technology, distrust tools that replace personal interactions, and value effectiveness but not as the primary criterion for assessing e-health tools. Concerns about privacy, autonomy, and the erosion of natural social relationships were prominent. Theoretical contribution: This study contributes to the understanding of lay ethics in e-health, highlighting the importance of considering user perspectives and moral values in the development and implementation of e-health technologies. It underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to e-health that balances technological benefits with ethical concerns. Practical implications: The research suggests that e-health technologies should be designed with consideration for user privacy, autonomy, and social interaction needs to enhance acceptance and effectiveness among elderly populations.