Ethical issues in the use of gerontechnology in home care for older adults: A qualitative study

Gerontechnologies are technologies and services designed to support older adults in living longer and better in their own homes. This study aimed to illustrate the ethical issues related to the use of gerontechnology in professional home care for older adults in Southern Finland. A descriptive qualitative design was used. Participants ( N  = 28) included older adults aged 65 years and above who used telecare technology ( n  = 17) and nursing professionals with experience using home care technology ( n  = 11). Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through thematic interviews in 2017 and 2024 and analysed using thematic analysis, followed by framework synthesis. The study is reported according to consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines. Four themes were identified: (i) reconfiguring caring presence and the meaning of good care; (ii) negotiating safety, privacy, and risk; (iii) managing strain and competence in technologised nursing work; and (iv) negotiating autonomy in technology-mediated care. Interpreted according to the ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy and justice, the findings showed that ethical issues are continuously negotiated as gerontechnology becomes increasingly integrated into home care. The findings highlight the importance of involving older adults and nursing professionals in the design and implementation of gerontechnological devices and services and in ongoing ethical reflection.