tutorial one - information technology

This first tutorial discussed information technology and the ethical issues surrounding it.

Information technology is defined as:
The production, storage and communication of information using computers and micro electronics.
Hanks, P. (ed). (1989) Collins Concise Dictionary. Glasgow: Bath press.

IT is certainly prevalent in our society and today it has become common place. This includes computers, TV's, DVD players, mp3 players, cel phones, the use of the Internet and various search engines, email and social network sites.

The technology that I feel most comfortable using include - celphone, mp3 players, computers, Internet - network sharing sites such as Facebook, Trademe etc, email, music downloads and now...blogging

Through my fieldwork experience I have seen IT used in various occupational therapy settings. It is most commonly used to store medical notes and to communicate with other therapists or staff members. Computers withhold case files and documents they are also used to send emails to staff or possibly clients. Cel phones are used in order for therapists to keep in touch with one another, it also enables them to get in touch with clients. They can also be used for emergency situations or for safety reasons on home visits.

When using IT devices we must consider the ethical considerations - security and privacy - such as the display of personal information or photos. Here we can discuss 'computer ethics' - a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct.
(retrieved 1 march www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics)

A way to protect ourselves as individuals or therapists in practice is by presenting informed consent. This is a legal condition whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon a clear appreciation and understanding of the facts, implications and future consequences of an action.
Retrieved 1 March (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_consent)

When discussing the ethics of IT we can discuss intellectual property - Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce. The term IP reflects that this subject matter is the product of the mind and that IP rights may be protected the same way as any other form of property.

We must also consider those who don't have access as others might. This is called Social Justice and refers to those who have limited or no access to IT. Because of this they are unable to share in the benefits and opportunities of others.
"Social justice requires that society develops policies and practices to more fully include people who in the past had limited access to computer resources" for example: the poor or elderly.
This could also apply this to OT's in practice who are not familiar with the latest technology or computer software systems.

I believe that as therapists we have to be realistic in moving with the times in regards to technology, especially if it is required within a certain workplace setting, in particular hospitals where the use of technology is extrmely prevalent. Therefore a knowledge of technology (IT) is a great tool for the advancement in OT practice. Knowledge of ethical issues in IT is similar to ethical issues we come across in practice - obtaining confidentiality and privacy for our clients etc. Although I beleive that we must be more vigilant as information shared through technology can be easily accessible and has the possibility of spreading to unwanted sources.

Geriatric gripes and grumbles