Towards responsible neuroimaging applications in health care: Guiding visions of scientists and technology developers

Abstract

To develop responsible innovations, the potential impacts on society, both positive and negative, should be identified and incorporated into research, development and design of new technologies. In this research, neuroimaging applications in health care are subject to a constructive technology assessment (CTA) process which is combined with vision assessment that acknowledges the mechanisms and dynamics surrounding innovations. The “guiding visions” of scientists and technology developers which are currently shaping the future of neuroimaging are presented. Results show that these experts expect that future advances in neuroimaging technologies will make it possible to obtain more insight into both the healthy brain and brain disorders. They consider that these advances will lead to improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment options. The barriers that need to be overcome to realize these guiding visions are identified. In addition, findings show which aspects need further exploration and follow-up activities in order to ensure that medical neuroimaging develops in a more responsible direction.