Trends in Korean Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) Research on Digital Healthcare: Achievements and Challenges in the Humanities, Law, and Social Sciences

Abstract

Digital healthcare, which provides medical services using information and communication technology (ICT), is emerging as a new paradigm, replacing traditional methods of healthcare. This study investigates research trends in digital healthcare through an analysis of studies published in South Korea on the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of digital healthcare. To this end, a total of 471 articles drawn from Korean academic journals in the humanities, law, and social sciences, were selected as research subjects, and the current status, characteristics, and research tasks were identified. The results show that Korean ELSI research on digital healthcare emerged about 20 years ago and has steadily increased, with in-depth analyses of various sub-topics such as telemedicine, big data, artificial intelligence, wearable devices, and digital therapeutics. Additionally, notable differences were found among studies in the three fields examined concerning research purposes, methods, and major findings. This study comprehensively reviews the research outcomes of studies in each academic field and proposes future tasks for ELSI research.