Responsible design and implementation of technologies for the prevention of infectious diseases: towards a values-based assessment framework for the Dutch government

M. Smits*, N. Back, W. Ebbers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Objectives: 

The Dutch government implemented the apps ‘CoronaMelder’ and ‘CoronaCheck’ to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. They faced many questions on how to responsibly implement such technologies. Here, we aim to develop an assessment framework to support the Dutch national government with the responsible design and implementation of technologies for the prevention of future infectious diseases. Study design: Three-stage web-based Delphi process. 

Methods: 

The assessment framework was developed through two research phases. During the Initial Design phase, a conceptual version of the assessment framework was developed through a scoping review and semistructured interviews with a scientific board. The Consensus phase involved a three-stage web-based Delphi process with an expert community. 

Results: 

The final assessment framework consists of five development phases, 10 values, and a total of 152 questions. 

Conclusions: 

Technology assessment frameworks help policymakers to make informed decisions and contribute to the responsible implementation of technologies in society. The framework is now available for the Dutch government and other stakeholders to use in future pandemics. We discuss the possibilities of using the framework transnationally.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)29-36
Number of pages8
JournalPublic Health
Volume222
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Royal Society for Public Health

Research programs

  • ESSB PA

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