Responsible design and implementation of technologies for the prevention of infectious diseases: towards a values-based assessment framework for the Dutch government

Abstract

Objectives: The Dutch government implemented the apps 'CoronaMelder' and 'CoronaCheck' to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. They faced many questions on how to responsibly implement such technologies. Here, we aim to develop an assessment framework to support the Dutch national government with the responsible design and implementation of technologies for the prevention of future infectious diseases.

Study design: Three-stage web-based Delphi process.

Methods: The assessment framework was developed through two research phases. During the Initial Design phase, a conceptual version of the assessment framework was developed through a scoping review and semistructured interviews with a scientific board. The Consensus phase involved a three-stage web-based Delphi process with an expert community.

Results: The final assessment framework consists of five development phases, 10 values, and a total of 152 questions.

Conclusions: Technology assessment frameworks help policymakers to make informed decisions and contribute to the responsible implementation of technologies in society. The framework is now available for the Dutch government and other stakeholders to use in future pandemics. We discuss the possibilities of using the framework transnationally.

Keywords: Assessment framework; COVID-19; Contact tracing; Technologies; Values.