Ethical navigation in the development of healthcare digital applications. Reflecting on a case study from the DC4DM Learning Lab on Madeira Island

The digitization of industry sectors is revolutionizing business practices, enhancing efficiency, agility, and data-driven decision-making. However, healthcare professionals face barriers such as insufficient computer literacy, cybersecurity concerns, and ethical considerations, which hinder the adoption of innovative technologies. Interdisciplinary initiatives like the Digital Creativity for developing Digital Maturity future skills (DC4DM) project aim to equip future Digital Maturity Enablers to support healthcare professionals with creative and strategic digital solutions, allowing healthcare systems and organizations to transform and achieve maturity. The paper presents an empirical study to critically reflect on the importance of including specific considerations and attitudes toward ethics while designing future digital applications for the healthcare sector. Despite the limitations of the proposed study, the paper aims to provoke a wider debate on how higher education curricula should align with real-world needs while connecting with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in search of innovative ideas towards digital transformation. The paper presents the knowledge exchange which occurred between a specialized health solutions startup, Musiquence Technology (MT) and an international and multidisciplinary team of students (Sensitiva project team) while developing possible future digital healthcare applications through the DC4DM methodology at the very first DC4DM Learning Lab (DC4DM LLab1). Then it reports the results from a later conversation that occurred between Musiquence Technology Startup and Sensitiva project team in February 2024. While trying to understand the value of involving real SMEs within the creative process of intensive design and learning experiences, such as the DC4DM LLab1, this empirical study aims to highlight how the connection with real world challenges and organizations could effectively instill a strong sense of ethical responsibility among young digital technology experts and businesses.