Original Research Environmental Cognitive Remediation in Schizophrenia: Ethical Implications of “Smart Home ” Technology

The cognitive remediation and social reintegration (that is,deinstitutionalization) of patients with severe and persis-tent mental disorders present challenges that psychiatry has been trying to meet for many years. Nowadays, the unprece-dented development in communication and information tech-nologies has redefined the terms of these challenges. Recent studies have attested to the flexibility, effectiveness, and growing affordability of these technologies (1–3). This article Can J Psychiatry, Vol 50, No 5, April 2005 281 Objective: In light of the advent of new technologies, we proposed to reexamine certain challenges posed by cognitive remediation and social reintegration (that is, deinstitutionalization) of patients with severe and persistent mental disorders. Method: We reviewed literature on cognition, remediation, smart homes, as well as on objects and utilities, using medical and computer science electronic library and Internet searches. Results: These technologies provide solutions for disabled persons with respect to car