Tutorial 1 - Information Technology and Ethical Issues.

The focus of my first ever proper blog post is to define Information Technology. I found a definition online that is located below and after that I have given my own definition of what Information Technology is to me. Processing of data via computer: the use of technologies from computing, electronics, and telecommunications to process and distribute information in digital and other forms Encarta online dictionary. Retrieved from http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861692452/information_technology.html To me this means information technology is any information that is processed/ distributed using computers, cell phones or any other electronic devices. Things such as information on the internet to an e-mail or text message received. These all require an electronic device to happen and allow information to be distributed.

In this section of my first blog I will look at the definition above I have provided and relate it to how this form of technology is prevalent in society. This form of technology has become prevalent in society to such an extent that without it we would nearly fail as a community. Whenever there is some form of error or technology fails everybody panics and has no idea what to do. It has become so common place in everyday life that we take this technology stuff for granted. Nearly everybody in society nowadays uses some form of information technology in their daily lives. Technology is going to continue to grow within society and here is a blog that shows us in which ways it will grow techindaily.blogspot.com

The list of IT devices or systems that I feel comfortable and confident to use are as follows: Devices: cellular phone, telephone(cordless/hardwired), computer(laptop/desktop), PlayStation, IPod, Radio/Stereo, USB stick, camera, Xbox. Systems: Internet, Intranet, E-mail, PlayStation games, blue tooth, computer software.

While I was on my four week placement in the Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation ward I learnt a lot. This next part is about the use of IT in relation to Occupational Therapy. The ways that IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice are that while out in the community there is a need for the Occupational Therapist to have a cell phone. This allows the OT to keep in contact with other OTs and people she works with. They may also have a laptop with them to use to take notes or look something up while out in the community. But they always have a computer present on their desks to use for research, typing information and e-mailing people. There is an Intranet system which they could use to find specific information on the hospital database. Are these systems/tools appropriate for what they are being used for. Do they keep client confidentiality at bay? These are some questions using IT will raise. I can see that IT will become a tool of practice for occupational therapy as it will help make things easier physically and mentally. Assessments may be done on a computer programme and people may be able to lead their normal lives thanks to IT. The main reason for IT is to make everyday life a lot easier and being occupational therapists we can use this to our advantage.

What ethical implications arise from the capturing,  sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet) There are many ethical implications that arise from IT in terms of capturing, sharing and transferring of information. Look at a cell phone, the user can easily take a photo/ video/recording without any consent from anyone and transfer this information onto many other people or even the internet for anybody to view. On the internet people write/post photos that they think only a few people can see but this is wrong as with Facebook a lot of people think what they have posted is confidential. This is not the case as people can easily go look at what people have posted if they know what they are doing. In most forms of IT confidentiality is at risk of being lost.

A definition of Intellectual Property Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce Wikipedia: Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property To me this means that Intellectual Property is the ideas/research other people have carried out. I make reference to this information by referencing their work in the work that I complete. I am acknowledging that I didn’t come up with the information on my own.

Social Justice Fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion etc, are to be treated equally and without prejudice Business Dictionary: Retrieved From: www.businessdictionary.com/definition/social-justice.html In relation to OT this means that everybody that we work with is to be treated the same no matter what the conditions are. Everybody is equal.

A definition of Informed Consent Informed consent is a phrase often used in law to indicate that the consent a person gives meets certain minimum standards. Wikipedia: Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_consent Informed consent is about having permission from someone in a way that shows they understand and accept what will be done knowing the risks. Being an OT this is a very important thing as the people we work with have rights and we have to respect that. Unless clients give us consent we are unable to share any information they have given us without their informed consent.