Ethical challenges and governance prospects in rehabilitation engineering
10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2026.07.013
- VernacularTitle:康复工程中的伦理挑战与治理前瞻
- Author:
Yishan ZHANG
1
;
Jiajia SONG
2
;
Tianyu HOU
1
;
Lijun MENG
3
Author Information
1. Department of Rehabilitation Engineering, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing 100068, China
2. Prosthetic Orthopedic Department, Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing 100068, China
3. Scientific Research Office, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing 100068, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
rehabilitation engineering;
ethical risks;
ethical governance;
coping path
- From:
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice
2026;32(7):861-868
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
ObjectiveTo systematically review and analyze the core ethical challenges accompanying technological convergence in the field of rehabilitation engineering, and to propose a forward-looking and actionable ethical governance framework. MethodsTaking the basic principles of policies and regulations, medical ethics, and scientific and technological ethics as the theoretical foundation, and combining with the application characteristics of rehabilitation engineering technology, this paper systematically sorted out the core issues existing in the ethical review of rehabilitation engineering, and conducted targeted analyses focusing on the key points of ethical governance. ResultsThis paper systematically reviewed the core ethical challenges arising from technological convergence in rehabilitation engineering, encompassing dilemmas of identity and autonomy, inequitable resource allocation and biases, data privacy and security risks, and accountability attribution difficulties in multi-stakeholder collaboration. It further proposed targeted governance recommendations along three dimensions: deepening ethical principles, improving review mechanisms and building capacity among diverse stakeholders. ConclusionRehabilitation engineering, leveraging artificial intelligence and robotics offers novel rehabilitation pathways for individuals with functional impairments, and has substantially improved therapeutic outcomes. Nevertheless, its widespread application is accompanied by ethical challenges, including privacy breaches, difficulties in liability attribution, inequitable service access, and emotional dependency. Governance pathways should be established around the refinement of ethical principles, the formulation of specific regulatory frameworks, and the cultivation of ethical competence among diverse stakeholders. Ethical considerations must be embedded throughout the entire lifecycle of technology research and development, clinical translation and deployment. Through the coordinated advancement of policy, technology and humanistic values, a balance can be struck between technological innovation and the protection of human rights, thereby fostering the beneficent and sustainable development of rehabilitation engineering.
