DECISION-MAKING OF HEALTHCARE WORKER IN CYBERNETIC AUGMENTATION: EXAMPLE OF AUDITORY IMPLANT

Abstract

A cybernetic organism is an individual whose bodily functions are connected to or augmented by a mechanical or electronic device. Technically, cybernetic organisms are designed to augment human abilities. For example, individuals using auditory implants are among the earliest examples of cybernetic organisms. Unlike typical prostheses, these implants are surgically inserted and integrated with the nervous system. This eliminates the need for external devices. Such implants improve auditory function and facilitate communication, benefiting both the user and those around them. It is argued that people in developed countries are increasingly adopting implantable technologies not only for life-saving functions (e.g. pacemakers), but also to live a happier life. Although there are studies in the literature on the reasons why users want to use these technologies, there is no study investigating the decisions of healthcare professionals to implement these new technologies. This study primarily aimed to determine the impact of ethical perceptions, social influence, and legal and political perceptions on audiologists\" and otolaryngologists\" decisions to implant auditory implants in individuals with normal hearing who wish to increase their hearing capacity. By examining this problem within the framework of the technology implementation model, this study pioneers the investigation of the decision-making mechanisms of healthcare professionals implementing new technologies through the example of auditory implant technology. Unlike previous research models, the technology implementation model focuses on healthcare professionals\" decisions to implement new technologies on individuals.The study was conducted on audiologists and otolaryngologists as they are experts in auditory implants. After obtaining ethics committee approval from the Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee, a questionnaire form consisting of 24 questions was administered to the participants via Google Forms. A total of 107 professionals completed the survey within the allocated timeframe. Due to no missing or invalid responses, all questionnaires were included in the subsequent analysis using Smart PLS 4.0 statistical software.The proposed decision model explains 61.2% of the decisions of audiologists and otolaryngologists to apply auditory implants to individuals who want to increase their hearing capacity and do not have health problems. Ethical perception and perceived risk explain 78.3% of the variance in the legal and political perceptions of these health workers. The social influence variable emerges as a critical independent variable affecting the ethical and risk perception of health workers.In conclusion, perceived risk, ethical and legal and political perception act as predictor and mediator variables regarding the relationship between social influence and intention to implant an auditory implant in individuals without hearing problems. These findings suggest that the proposed decision model comprehensively explains the mechanisms that decision makers consider when adopting new technology.Keywords: Cyborgization, auditory implants, intention to auditory implementation