Whose motivation? A conceptual and ethical analysis of nudges and incentives in physiotherapy treatment

Abstract

Nudges and incentives can be—and are—used in physiotherapy treatment to alter and steer patients’ behaviour. In this paper, we first investigate the conceptual difference between nudges and incentives. Thereafter, we conduct an ethical analysis of these two techniques for influencing behaviour, pointing to different aspects that may have ethical importance for physiotherapy practise. We conclude that while employing nudges and incentives in physiotherapy treatment raises distinct ethical issues in light of their conceptual differences, there is a common moral imperative for physiotherapists to provide and discuss the reasons for employing nudges and incentives with the public and/or the patients.

Keywords

• bioethics
• incentives
• medical ethics
• nudging
• physiotherapy