The use of individual tracking programs in public health: a bioethics dilemma.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: to understand the bioethical perspectives on mobile tracking device use. METHODS: theoretical study based on action research, carried out with eight graduate students from a public university. A focus group was used, with a thematic content analysis methodology with a codebook structure, approved by the Research Ethics Committee. RESULTS: from the analysis, there was a concern about using devices after the pandemic ended. Using or not the device, rights inherent to humans, legislation and effectiveness of methods deepen interpretations, moving participants from a personalistic conception of the topic to a vision focused on professional implications about the methods. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS the debate on the impact of using technological devices on health, especially those that imply restriction of rights that refer to individuals' private life, involves a discussion of a professional nature, in addition to requirement for clear rules on the topic.