Ethical Issues Related to Technology in the

Delivery of Health Care

Republic Act No. 10173-DATA PRIVACY ACT
- "to protect the fundamental human right to privacy of
communication while ensuring free flow of information to promote
innovation and growth. ... inherent obligation to ensure that
personal information in information and communications systems
in government and private sectors are secured and protected."
 The "Data Privacy Act“
 To protect all forms of information, be it private, personal, or
sensitive.
 To cover both natural and juridical persons involved in the
processing of personal information.
PROCESSING OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
Section 3 of RA 10173:
 "Processing refers to any operation or any set of operations
performed upon personal information including, but not
limited to, the collection, recording, organization, storage,
updating or modification, retrieval, consultation, use,
consolidation, blocking, erasure, or destruction of data."
Personal Information
Section 3 of RA 10173:
"Personal Information refers to any information whether recorded
in a material form or not, from which the identity of an individual is
apparent or can be reasonably and directly ascertained by the
entity holding the information, or when put together with other
information would directly and certainly identify an individual."
Privileged Information
Section 3 of RA 10173:
"Privileged information refers to any and all forms of data which
under the Rules of Court and other pertinent laws constitute
privileged communication.
1. Person's race, ethnic origin, marital status, age, color,
religious, philosophical, and political affiliations.
2. Person's health, education, genetic or sexual life, past
offenses committed or allegedly committed by a person,
or a court cases.
3. Social security numbers, health records, licenses,
suspensions, tax returns.
4. Information established to be kept private by law.
2. The Data Privacy Act explicitly states that its provisions are
not applicable in the following cases: A. Person who IS or
WAS an officer or an employee of a government institution
that relates to the position or functions of the individual.
B.
Information about an individual who is or was performing
service under contract for a government institution that
relates to the services performed, including the terms of
contract, and the name of the individual given during the
performance of those services
C.
Information related to any discretionary benefit of a financial
nature such as the granting of a license or permit given by
the government to an individual, including the name of the
individual and the exact nature of the benefit.
D.
Personal information processed for journalistic, artistic, literary, or
research purposes
E.
Information necessary for banks and other financial institutions
under the jurisdiction of the independent, central monetary
authority or Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to comply with Republic
Act No. 9510 and Republic Act No. 9160, known as the Anti-
Money Laundering Act and other applicable laws.
F.
Personal information originally collected from residents of foreign
jurisdictions in accordance with the laws of those foreign
jurisdictions, including any applicable data privacy laws, which is
being processed in the Philippines.
R. A. NO 10173 applies to:
• If the person, either an individual or an institution, involved in the
processing of personal data is in the Philippines.
• The processing of personal data is done in the Philippines.
• The act, practice or processing of personal data is done by an
entity with links to the Philippines, subject to international law and
comity.
NATIONAL PRIVACY COMMISSION (NPC)
- The National Privacy Commission (NPC) is in charge of
administering and implementing the DPA (Data Privacy Act).
This consent should be written, electronic or recorded means. It
may also be given on behalf of the data subject by an agent
specifically authorized by the data subject to do so. Dara subject
refers to the person who personal information is being processed.
MISSION; We shall continuously deliver services to:
(1) Be the authority on data privacy and protection, providing
knowledge, know-how, and relevant technology.
(2) Establish a regulatory environment that ensures accountability
in the processing of personal data and promotes global standards
for data privacy and protection.
(3) Build a culture of privacy, through people empowerment, that
enables and upholds the right to privacy and supports free flow of
information.
VISION:
A world-class regulatory and enforcement agency upholding the
right to privacy and data protection while ensuring the free flow of
information, committed to excellence, driven by a workforce that is
highly competent, future-oriented, and ethical, towards a
competitive, knowledge-based, and innovative nation.
TECHNOLOGY
- the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of
human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and
manipulation of the human environment.
1.) COMMUNICATION
Benefits- Messaging is easy and there are plenty of options for
these easy ways. (Not to mention, cheap.)
CHALLENGES- Some things get lost in translation.
Communication becomes more distant, cold, and it can be easily
misunderstood.
It has made people impatient.
2.) DATA COLLECTION
Benefits- For sellers, it's easy to get data from customers and
potential customers. Social media also makes it easy for sellers to
get to know their market and make it easier to reach out. Anybody
can make a form now that asks to fill up your name, address, age,
birthday, etc.
CHALLENGES- There is lesser privacy. We've heard of data
breaches or scams wherein people can make their own website
that looks like a legit bank website. It pays to be vigilant! We also
have hackers, not only social media accounts, but even banks
and big companies can be hacked.
3.) INFORMATION ACCESS
Benefits-It's not only a person's data that is easy to acquire, but
Google has also made it easier for everyone to learn and search
for things.
CHALLENGES- Misinformation can easily spread. Patients
nowadays can easily search their symptoms or research about a
subject which leads to some to just self-diagnose and don't get
immediate treatment. Also, misinformation about certain
medications and vaccines which is of course, potentially
dangerous.
4.) DISTANCE WORK AND SCHOOL FROM HOME
Benefits- Attending classes or meetings through Zoom or
Microsoft Teams has been the new classroom. It made us more
creative and forced us to work smarter.
CHALLENGES-It has become more stressful because there is
now no boundary between school, work and home. Most people
right now report fatigue of being online almost 18 hours a day.
4.) PATIENT CARE
Benefits- Technologies help us keep track of our health. Tele-
health or E-Health provides doctors that can hold virtual
consultations, allowing the patient to be safe at home. Modern
technology also allows us to provide better patient service.
CHALLENGES- Less physical assessment of the patient Some
information gets lost in the call.
5.) DATA STORAGE
Benefits- A large like a terabyte of information can be hand
carried. It saves space as well. Digital information is also easier to
find, all you need is a search bar and a click of a mouse. It saves
you time! If a hospital has a universal data system, one doctor
can input in program and another doctor can see his input in real
time from another venue. Easy data transfer and passing it on to
another health care worker.
CHALLENGES- Personal data nowadays is very attractive to
hackers. There have been multiple cases wherein big companies,
even Facebook, experienced a data breach. It has been said that
these stolen personal data are being sold online in the deep web
for who knows what purpose! If your computer gets wet and if you
didn't back up your data, it could be gone in a flash especially in
cases wherein it gets wet, or a virus corrupts it.
HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
- supports decision-making and promotes quality health care
delivery
Non-traditional healthcare delivery
TELEHEALTH
The hospital and the patient's home should both have high-speed
internet to be able to provide/send excellent
video/photos/diagnostic data transmission between the two. Aside
from that, it should also be affordable especially for the patients.
ETHICO - MORAL RESPONSIBILITY OF NURSES
Moral Principles

1. Golden Rule
2. The principle of Totality
• The whole is greater than its parts
3. Epikia – There is always exemption to the rule
4. One who acts through as agent is herself responsible -
instrument to the crime
5. No one is obliged to betray herself
• You cannot betray yourself
• Moral Principles
• 6. The end does not justify the means
• 7. Defects of nature maybe corrected
• 8. If one is willing to cooperate in the
act, no justice is done to him
• 9. A little more or a little less does
not change the substance of an act.
• 10. No one is held to impossible
Principle of Totality and its integrity.
 - Registered Nurse (RN) has ethical and moral responsibility
to represent the patient's interests, show humility, respect
and protect patient autonomy and preserve patient dignity
(International Council for Nurses, 2013).
B. MUTILATION
• Refers to the procedure that diminishes or destroys the
functional integrity of the human body.
• For Example: Tonsillectomy, Ribs Resection, Sex
Transplant etc.
2 TYPES OF MUTILATION
• MAJOR MUTILATION
• Refers to the procedure that destroys the functional
integrity of the human body so that it becomes
incapacitated of its natural functions.
• It may also be done by means of surgical procedures.
2. MINOR MUTILATION
• Refers to the procedure that diminishes but DOES NOT
destroy the functional integrity of the human body.
• For example: Tonsillectomy, Circumcision, Tooth
Extraction etc.
• Functional Integrity
• The degree of completeness necessary for the
performance of functions to the human body.
• The mutilation does not constitute any destruction of
functional integrity.
• 3 CONDITIONS ON SURGICAL REMOVAL OF A HEALTHY
ORGAN CAN BE MORALLY ALLOWED:
 • That the preservation or functioning of a particular
organ provokes a serious damage or constitutes a
threat to the whole body.
• 2. That the damage cannot be avoided to at least notably
diminished, EXCEPT by the amputation or mutilation in
question and that its efficacy is well assured.
• 3. That it can reasonably foresee that the Negative Effect
will be compensated by the Positive Effect, exclusion of a
damage to the whole body, mitigation of the pain etc.
B. STERILIZATION
• Refers to any technique that renders one sterile or
unable to exercise the power to reproduce during the
sexual intercourse
• It permits coitus but hinders conception.
3. THERAPEUTIC STERILIZATION
• The removal or a portion of a reproductive organ to
save one's life or to promote bodily integrity.
4. CONTRACEPTIVE STERILIZATION
• Intentional prevention of conception through
sterilization.
• For example: serious illness, genetic abnormality,
severe financial burden, childbearing puts one's health
in danger
CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS ON ETHICO -
MORAL PRACTICE IN NURSING
CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM
 • Is a specific learning activity generally characterized by
the issuance of a certificate or Continuing Education
Units (CEU). For the purpose of documenting
attendance at a designated seminar or course of
instruction.

Board of Nursing (BON)

• Encourages continuing education requirements on
members who hold licenses to practice.
• These requirements are intended to encourage
professionals to expand their knowledge and stay up-
to-date on new trends and development.
CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM
PURPOSE
• Tends to meet high performance level needs of the
nurses
• Strengthen knowledge, skills and attitude.
SCOPE
• Professional and Personal Growth and Development
that relates to professional and organizational
development.

OBJECTIVES
• Promote deveopment of KSA for enhancement of
nursing practice.
 • Is a branch of moral science that refers to the conduct
and behavior of nursing practitioners which by reason
of public approval has become customary
among professional
nurses.
CODE OF ETHICS
• A written list of profession's values ad standards of
conduct and framework of decision making for nursing
profession.
• ICN WORKS:
• 1.To ensure quality nursing care for all
2. A sound health policies
globally
3. The advancement of nursing knowledge.
4. The presence worldwide of respected nursing profession
5. A competent and satisfied nursing workforce.
CODE OF GOOD GOVERNANCE
• Promulgated by the PRC on July 23, 2003: hallmark of
all professionals is their willingness to accept a set of
professional and ethical principles which they will follow
in the conduct of their daily lives.
General Principles of Code of Good Governance
• 1. Service to others.
• 2. Integrity and Objectivity
• 3. Professional Competence
• 4. Solidarity and Teamwork
• 5 Social and Civic Responsibility
• 6. Global Competitiveness
7. Equality of all Professions

• Section 3, Republic Act No. 877 "Philippine Nursing

Law" - An Act to Regulate the Practice of Nursing in the
Philippines, and for Other Purposes.
• Section 6 of P.D. No. 233 - "Amended Code of Ethics
for Nurses" was adopted

• October 23, 2003, Ilo-ilo City consultation was done

together with the accredited professional organization
of RN, PNA and other affiliate organizations of RN's
decided to adopt a NEW Code of Ethics under R.A.
9173
• July 14, 2004, a new Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurse
was adopted under R.A. 9173 and was promulgated by
the BON. The Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses
embodies ethical principles and guidelines to be
observed.
• R.A 9173 known as,
"Philippine Nursing Act of 2002."
- was enacted in 2002 to provide a comprehensive definition
and understanding of the nursing profession.
- FILIPINO NURSES CODE OF ETHICS
 ARTICLE 1
• Sec 1: Health is a fundamental right of every individual.
• Sec 2: Nurses have to gain knowledge and
understanding of man's cultural, social, spiritual,
psychological, and
ecological aspects of illness, utilizing the
therapeutic
process.
• Sec 3: The desire for respect and confidence for
clientele,
colleagues, co-workers, and the members of the
community
provides incentive to attain and maintain the highest
possible
degree of ethical conduct.

ARTICLE 2
• REGISTERED NURSES AND PEOPLE
Ethical Principles:
• Values, customs, & spiritual beliefs are to be respected
• Freedom to make rational and unconstraint decisions
will be respected
• Personal information acquired shall be held in strict
confidence
• ARTICLE 3
 • REGISTERED NURSES AND PRACTICE
Ethical Principles
• Human life is inviolable
• Quality and excellence in care are the goals of nursing
practice.
• Accurate documentation of actions and outcomes is the
hallmark of nursing accountability.
• ARTICLE 4
• REGISTERED NURSES AND CO-WORKERS
Ethical Principles:
• RNs in solidarity with other
members of the healthcare
team in working for the
patient's best interest
• RN maintains collegial and collaborative working
relationship with colleagues and other healthcare
providers
• ARTICLE 5
• REGISTERED NURSES, SOCIETY AND
ENVIRONMENT
Ethical Principles:
• Preservation of life, respect for human rights, and
promotion of healthy environment shall be a
commitment of a RN.
 • Establishment of linkages w the public in promoting
local, national, and international efforts to meet health
and social needs of people as a contributing member of
society is a noble concern of a RN.
• ARTICLE 6
• REGISTERED NURSES AND THE PROFESSION
Ethical Principles:
• Maintain loyalty to the nursing professional and
preserve its integrity
• Comply with by-laws of accredited professional
organizations
• Commit to continual learning and active participation in
development and growth of profession
• Contribute to the improvement of the socio-economic
conditions and general welfare of nurses through
appropriate legislation is a practice and visionary
mission

FILIPINO PATIENT BILL OF RIGHTS

BILL 812 (Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr.)
July 3, 2007
 " Magna Carta of Patient's Rights and
Obligations”

Patient Rights
• Right to Appropriate Medical Care and Human
Treatment
2. Right to Informed Consent
3.Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
4. Right to Information
5. Right to Choose
Health Care Provider
and Facility
6. Right to Self-Determination
7. Right to Religious
Belief

8. Right to Medical Records

9. Right to Leave
10. Right to Refuse
Participation in Medical Research
11. Right to Correspondence
and to Receive Visitors
 12. Right to Express Grievances
13. Right to be Informed of his Rights and Obligations as
Patient
SOCIETAL RIGHTS OF PATIENTS
Right to Health
Right to Access to Quality Public Health Care
Right to Healthy and Safe Workplace
Patient Obligations
• Know Rights
• 2. Provide accurate and complete information
• 3. Report unexpected health changes
• 4. Understand purpose and cost of treatment
• 5. Accept consequences of own informed consent
• 6. Settle Financial Obligations
• 7. Relation to others
• 8. Exhaust Grievance Mechanism
• PRINCIPLE OF STEWARDSHIP
- Hugh J. O'Connell- “Stewardship consists in the practical
recognition that Man is not the absolute master of himself or
his possessions. He has received every gift and grace from
God. He must use them in a responsible manner to promote
the interest of God".
- STEWARDSHIP
- Refers to the expression of one's responsibility to take
care of, nurture and cultivate what has been entrusted
to him.
 - In Health Care, Stewardship refers to the execution of
responsibility of the health care practitioners to look
after, provide necessary health care services, and
promote the health and life of those entrusted to their
care.
- Role of Nurses as STEWARD
- To be Just and Honest with exercise of his duties and
obligations to uphold goodness of human life as God's
creation.
- To make all health care facilities and technologies
serve the wellbeing of the patients and prevent
unnecessary pains.
- To respect life from the moment of conception until its
natural expiration and defend it from any unnatural
proceedings meant to contradict its nature and destroy
its dignity.
- To recognize dependency not so much on its own
capacity but on God - the Giver of that capacity and to
God ambassador of service for the Sick.