Digital Health and Technological Promise

A Sociological Inquiry

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Digital Health and Technological Promise by Alan Petersen, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Alan Petersen ISBN: 9781351780391
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: November 21, 2018
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Alan Petersen
ISBN: 9781351780391
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: November 21, 2018
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

What is ‘digital health’? And, what are its implications for medicine and healthcare, and for individual citizens and society? ‘Digital health’ is of growing interest to policymakers, clinicians, and businesses. It is underpinned by promise and optimism, with predictions that digital technologies and related innovations will soon ‘transform’ medicine and healthcare, and enable individuals to better manage their own health and risk and to receive a more ‘personalised’ treatment and care.

Offering a sociological perspective, this book critically examines the dimensions and implications of ‘digital health’, a term that is often ill defined, but signifies the promise of technology to ‘empower’ individuals and improve their lives as well as generating efficiencies and wealth. The chapters explore relevant sociological concepts and theories; changing conceptions of the self-evident in citizens’ growing use of wearables, online behaviours and patient activism; changes in medical practices, especially precision (or ‘personalised’) medicine and growing reliance on ‘big data’ and algorithm-driven decisions; the character of the digital healthcare economy; and the perils of ‘digital health’.

It is argued that, for various reasons, including the way digital technologies are designed and operate and the influence of big technology companies and other interests seeking to monetise citizens’ data, ‘digital health’ is unlikely to deliver much of what is promised. Citizens’ use of digital technologies is likened to a Faustian bargain: citizens are likely to surrender something of far greater value (their personal data) than what they obtain from their use. However, growing data activism and calls for ‘algorithmic accountability’ highlight the potential for citizens to create alternative futures—ones oriented to fulfilling human needs rather than techno-utopian visions.

This ground-breaking book will provide an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the socio-cultural and politico-economic implications of digital health.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

What is ‘digital health’? And, what are its implications for medicine and healthcare, and for individual citizens and society? ‘Digital health’ is of growing interest to policymakers, clinicians, and businesses. It is underpinned by promise and optimism, with predictions that digital technologies and related innovations will soon ‘transform’ medicine and healthcare, and enable individuals to better manage their own health and risk and to receive a more ‘personalised’ treatment and care.

Offering a sociological perspective, this book critically examines the dimensions and implications of ‘digital health’, a term that is often ill defined, but signifies the promise of technology to ‘empower’ individuals and improve their lives as well as generating efficiencies and wealth. The chapters explore relevant sociological concepts and theories; changing conceptions of the self-evident in citizens’ growing use of wearables, online behaviours and patient activism; changes in medical practices, especially precision (or ‘personalised’) medicine and growing reliance on ‘big data’ and algorithm-driven decisions; the character of the digital healthcare economy; and the perils of ‘digital health’.

It is argued that, for various reasons, including the way digital technologies are designed and operate and the influence of big technology companies and other interests seeking to monetise citizens’ data, ‘digital health’ is unlikely to deliver much of what is promised. Citizens’ use of digital technologies is likened to a Faustian bargain: citizens are likely to surrender something of far greater value (their personal data) than what they obtain from their use. However, growing data activism and calls for ‘algorithmic accountability’ highlight the potential for citizens to create alternative futures—ones oriented to fulfilling human needs rather than techno-utopian visions.

This ground-breaking book will provide an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the socio-cultural and politico-economic implications of digital health.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Untamed Urbanisms (Open Access) by Alan Petersen
Cover of the book The Critical Twilight (Routledge Revivals) by Alan Petersen
Cover of the book African Americans and Jungian Psychology by Alan Petersen
Cover of the book The Other Half by Alan Petersen
Cover of the book Entrepreneurship and Economic Progress by Alan Petersen
Cover of the book Society and Medicine by Alan Petersen
Cover of the book Housing Policy and Finance by Alan Petersen
Cover of the book Environment and Law by Alan Petersen
Cover of the book The Pacific in the Age of Early Industrialization by Alan Petersen
Cover of the book Society and Education in England Since 1800 by Alan Petersen
Cover of the book Anne Wheathill by Alan Petersen
Cover of the book Routledge Handbook of the Philosophy of Sport by Alan Petersen
Cover of the book Deciding Communication Law by Alan Petersen
Cover of the book Indigenous South Americans Of The Past And Present by Alan Petersen
Cover of the book Stairs by Alan Petersen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy