Call for Digital Hippocratic Oath in Modern Healthcare
Amsterdam, Thursday, 2 October 2025.
Radiotherapist Gabriëlle Speijer advocates for a digital Hippocratic Oath to align medical ethics with technological advances, ensuring patient care integrity in a digital landscape.
A Vision for Modern Medical Ethics
In an evolving digital era, radiotherapist-oncologist Gabriëlle Speijer has called for an urgent update to the traditional Hippocratic Oath to better integrate medical ethics with digital advancements. Speijer argues that as healthcare becomes more digital, there is a growing need for a framework that reflects both traditional medical values and the ethical challenges posed by technological integration in patient care [1].
Challenges of Digital Integration in Healthcare
Speijer emphasizes that the absence of a comprehensive global framework often leaves healthcare professionals without guidance on how to ethically manage digital interactions with patients. The shift towards digital healthcare raises concerns about maintaining the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship, particularly in terms of data privacy and security [1]. With 4.5 million citizens in the Netherlands struggling with digital healthcare tools, there is an evident skills gap that exacerbates healthcare access inequalities [2].
Strategic Developments in Digital Healthcare
The call for a digital Hippocratic Oath comes amid broader strategic developments aimed at transforming healthcare systems. Digital advisors are working to ensure that innovations in digital healthcare remain accessible and financially sustainable, promoting widespread adoption and integration across various healthcare providers [3]. This initiative is part of a larger effort to adapt healthcare systems to new digital realities while addressing the unique ethical challenges they present.
The Role of Regulation and Collaboration
As digital technologies continue to reshape healthcare, emerging regulations aim to balance innovation with ethical considerations. The European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) is actively involved in fostering digital connectivity and ensuring that healthcare technologies meet safety and quality standards [4]. Collaborative efforts between healthcare professionals, technology developers, and policymakers are crucial in crafting a digital Hippocratic Oath that maintains the core values of patient care while embracing technological progress [5].