Mr Andrew Christiansen1
1Queensland University Of Technology, , Australia
Biography:
Andrew Christiansen
(BAppSc(Optom) MPhil MHlthSc PGCertOcTher)
Andy graduated from Optometry in QUT, Brisbane, in 1994.
In 2008 he opened a licensee practice with his wife in Bundaberg.
He is currently undertaking a PhD on the ethical challenges Australian optometry faces in regard to emerging technologies and investment interests.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES, PRIVATE EQUITY AND CORPORATISATION: EXAMINING THE ETHICAL LANDSCAPE OF OPTOMETRY IN AUSTRALIA
Christiansen A R¹, McDonald F¹, Bentley S A², Pierscionek B K³
¹Centre for Health Law Research, School of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point, Brisbane, QLD
²Centre for Vision and Eye Research, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD
³Medical Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
Email: andychristo@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Aim:
This study aims to assess the ethical challenges the Australian optometry profession may face from emerging technologies, private equity and corporatisation. To date there has been minimal research undertaken in this area particularly in eye care in Australia.
Methods:
Optometric practices are under growing pressure to be profitable and competitive. Increasing pressures generated by corporate structures and interest from private equity firms looking to invest in relatively recession-proof eye care practices will test the fundamental principles and may disrupt the ethical basis of the profession. Ethical concerns will also arise with the emergence of complex diagnostic equipment, in particular where artificial intelligence models with possible algorithmic programming bias and privacy issues are applied.
Results:
The existing ethical principles pertaining to health care and business will be examined, compared and contrasted. Health care ethical principles include beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, autonomy, collegiality, confidentiality and consent. Examples of business ethical principles include ethical stewardship and corporate digital responsibility. Conflict will inevitably occur with health care traditionally adopting more patient-centric as opposed to profit-centric business ideals.
Conclusions:
The results of this research provide a framework of concerns for the Australian optometric profession on current and future ethical issues with regard to private equity, corporatisation and emerging technologies.
Presentation Slides PDF – Click here