Digital Twins in HealthCare: An Opinion Poll and Reflection on Ethical Aspects
摘要
The integration of Digital Twins (DTs) into healthcare promises transformative advancements in personalized medicine, resource optimization, and predictive analytics. However, ethical concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and accountability remain critical barriers to widespread adoption. This study combines quantitative and qualitative analyses (n = 120 participants) to explore public perception and ethical implications of DTs in healthcare. Results reveal a significant correlation between prior knowledge of DTs and positive perception (78% vs. 52% among uninformed respondents, p = 0.012), with data security (45%) and regulatory uncertainty (32%) emerging as primary concerns. Qualitative insights highlight demands for transparent governance frameworks and patient-centric safeguards. The discussion underscores the dual potential of DTs: enabling precision medicine through wearable sensors and predictive modeling, while risking systemic inequities if deployed without rigorous oversight. We argue that proactive regulation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public education are essential to balance innovation with ethical responsibility. This work contributes a roadmap for integrating DTs into healthcare, emphasizing the need for adaptive policies and clinical validation to ensure equitable and sustainable implementation.