Workplace health surveillance and COVID-19: algorithmic health discrimination and cancer survivors

Abstract

Purpose This article examines ways COVID-19 health surveillance and algorithmic decision-making (“ADM”) are creating and exacerbating workplace inequalities that impact post-treatment cancer survivors. Cancer survivors’ ability to exercise their right to work often is limited by prejudice and health concerns. While cancer survivors can ostensibly elect not to disclose to their employers when they are receiving treatments or if they have a history of treatment, the use of ADM increases the chances that employers will learn of their situation regardless of their preferences. Moreover, absent significant change, inequalities may persist or even expand. Methods We analyze how COVID-19 health surveillance is creating an unprecedented amount of health data on all people. These data are increasingly collected and used by employers as part of COVID-19 regulatory interventions. Results The increase in data, combined with the health and economic crisis, means algorithm-driven health inequalities will be experienced by a larger percentage of the population. Post-treatment cancer survivors, as for people with disabilities generally, are at greater risk of experiencing negative outcomes from algorithmic health discrimination. Conclusions Updated and revised workplace policy and practice requirements, as well as collaboration across impacted groups, are critical in helping to control the inequalities that flow from the interaction between COVID-19, ADM, and the experience of cancer survivorship in the workplace. Implications for Cancer Survivors The interaction among COVID-19, health surveillance, and ADM increases exposure to algorithmic health discrimination in the workplace.

On the Importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act at 30

“…As the Social model of disability explains, society and its technologies are in large part designed for able-bodied users, and people with disabilities are not regarded as "standard." If it increases along with the increasing use of artificial intelligence, this physical and technological "designing-out" of people with disabilities could exclude them even more from meaningful participation and integration in society (Blanck, 2008(Blanck, , 2014Fundación ONCE & ILO Global Business and Disability Network, 2021;Harpur & Blanck, 2021;Harpur et al, 2017).…”

“…As the cases presented in this article suggest, the gig economy does not yet fully consider the individualized needs and skills of people with disabilities, notwithstanding its potential flexibility in work, service, and educational arrangements. As the Social model of disability explains, society and its technologies are in large part designed for able-bodied users, and people with disabilities are not regarded as “standard.” If it increases along with the increasing use of artificial intelligence, this physical and technological “designing-out” of people with disabilities could exclude them even more from meaningful participation and integration in society (Blanck, 2008, 2014; Fundación ONCE & ILO Global Business and Disability Network, 2021; Harpur & Blanck, 2021; Harpur et al, 2017).…”