Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

IT (information technology) - the development, installation and implementation of computer systems and applications.
Dictionary: information technology. (2010). Retrieved February 24, 2010, from http://www.answers.com/topic/information - technology

IT is prevalent in our society as it is used everyday by many different people. Whether people realise it or not the majority of people have a lot of knowledge surrounding IT and are involved in it someway or another. A lot of people may not even know what IT stands for but we have grown up in a society where it has become a huge part of our lives in work, school and leisure. It is becoming essential as a lot of programs and information are now online, people depend on it and it is forever changing and providing the user with more opportunities with its convenience.

I have suprised myself with how much I have learned about IT. I am comfortable and happy with the devices and systems that I do feel comfortable and competent using as they are the ones that are beneficial to me and are the things that I need to be able to know. The devices/systems that I do know feel competent and comfortable using are facebook (and other social networks), emailing, moodle (course work), google and word processors. I have a very basic knowledge in these areas but it is all that I need to know. I have found that my knowledge has increased and developed over time.

The use of IT in occupational therapy practices is increasing as there are programs that have a lot to offer health professionals and make their work easier, more convenient and efficient. During my fieldwork experiences I have observed and used IT within the practice by emailing equipment companies, ACC case managers, local/community OTs and other members of the health team concerning clients. Order forms for equipment are also done on the computer as are the typing up of assessment reports. The computers in the settings that I was placed in were occasionally used for the typing up of client notes and also for researching areas/issues that the OT (or myself) weren't sure about.

There are ethical issues that arise from sharing client information via IT devices. It isn't always 100% confidential as client information could quite easily be sent to the wrong person/organisation. Having client information on IT devices makes it harder for clients to access their information. The information is usually stored on back-up discs etc in case the computer crashes so there is a chance that client confidentiality could be at risk here if it gets into the wrong hands.

Computer Ethics:
"Computer ethics is a set of moral principles that regulate the use of computers."
Computer Ethics. (2005-2010). Retrieved February 24, 2010, from http://www.teachterms.com/definition/computerethics

Intellectual Property (IP):
"Any tangible asset that consists of human knowledge and ideas."
Intellectual property definition. (1999). Retrieved February 24, 2010, from http://www.investorwords.com/2526/intellectual_property.html

Social Justice:
"Fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all persons, irrespective of ethinic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion, etc., are to be treated equally and without predjudice."
Social justice. (2010). Retrieved February 24, 2010, from http://www.businessdirectory.com/definiton/socialjustice.html

Informed Consent:
"Consent given in full knowledge of the risks involved, probable consequences and the alternatives."
Informed consent. (2010). Retrieved February 24, 2010, from http://www.businessdirectory.com/definition/informed-consent.html

A great understanding of of ITC and the ethical issues it encompasses will help us in our practice and daily lives because it makes us aware or our own rights and the rights of others if we find ourselves in a challenging situation. Because ITC is becoming more advanced and it is a huge part of our lives now we find that we will all be using it more in our day-to-day lives. The better we understand it the better we can use it to benefit us and our jobs.

My First Blog!!

Hey, this is my first time blogging! Not too sure what to write but hopefully I will get the hang of it! Fingers crossed my assessment for this goes well :)
Ciao xx