Work

Health Technologies and Impermissible Delays: The Case of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper argues that we have a moral obligation to implement certain health technologies even if we have limited or incomplete evidence of their effectiveness. The focus is on technologies used in non-emergency settings, as opposed to "exceptional cases" such as compassionate use and emergency approvals during public health emergencies. A broadly plausible moral principle - the Ecumenical Principle - is introduced and applied to a test case: the use of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis in mammographic screening. The paper concludes by exploring the implications of the Ecumenical Principle for the adoption of other new health technologies.

Source: Science and Engineering Ethics

DOI: 10.1007/s11948-025-00535-2

Authors: Simon Rosenqvist, Magnus Dustler, Johan Brännmark

Institutions: University of Gothenburg, Lund University, Stockholm University

Language: English

Topic: Ethics and bioethics in healthcare

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090