Tuesday 1 March 2011

This post relates to tutorial one and will talk about Information Technology and Ethical Issues.

According to (eHow, 2011), a definition of Information Technology is; "The study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware". Personally I view Information Technology as a type of engineering relating to computers and telecommunication to gain information which is continuously progressing.

Technology is a large part of our society and is involved in our daily lives in some way, whether it be using your cellphone, sending an email or using a piece of machinery. An example of IT being used for medical health care resulting in reduced costs is shown in this YouTube clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNSbOUijK9k&playnext=1&list=PL770C4269FD1CE7E5

As i have been bought up around alot of technology, I feel i am comfortable using basic IT technology such as, cellphones, computers, laptops, hard drives. Technology can be very frustrating at times but i feel it is always developing and is always improving with companies developing new technologies for society to experience.

Technology has lead to changes in the way we live and as Occupational Therapist's we aim to use technology that is most relevant and up to date for the best possible outcome. IT is used in many medical professions including Occupational Therapy. O.T offices use IT to keep records of clients and for important information at easy access. Hospitals also have Medical/Hospital databases that hold client information. IT can be used as a treatment tool or enabling agent although ethical issues need to be considered when using IT around clients. For example, A professional needs to be aware when talking/using clients information or writing notes as they are able to ask to view the documents. Also, OT's commonly use computer games or phones to engage clients.

IT related equipment is frequently used in Occupational Therapy. This allows clients to become more independent in their rehab. This very interesting YouTube clip shows the use of IT (Mobile technology) in Occupational Therapy practice: This is a great way to reduce exclusion of disabled people and improve their Occupational performance.  
                                          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUbMMJ7ZGlk

Ethical implications are an area to consider when using IT. Informed consent and permission are important when copying/sharing photos, mobile phone numbers or others personal information. Also information on websites is not always trustworthy so it is always a good idea to check the validity.

(Investorwords.com, 2011) defines intellectual property as; "Any intangible asset that consists of human knowledge and ideas. Some examples are patents, copyrights, trademarks and software"
Personally i would define Intellectual Property as your own personal knowledge, idea's or IQ. An example of how intellectual property and I.T are shown/experienced in O.T practice is on my 4 week placement i experienced writing a lot of client notes about what we saw/observed with my supervisor which were then added into the computer database for that specific client.  

"Social Justice is a form of Justice that improves the social life or freedom and living to people" (Dictionary.com, 2011).  I would describe social justice as fair treatment between people. A consideration of social justice and I.T in O.T practice could be using a hoist to move somebody safely.

WordiQ.com, (2010) defines informed consent as, "A legal condition whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon a full appreciation and understanding of the facts and implications of any actions, with the individual being in position of all his faculties". My personal definition of informed consent is, Giving consent or granting permission knowing the full implications and risks involved in a certain situation. An example of a consideration of informed consent and IT in OT Practice is, accepting terms and conditions of doing an online test. Informed consent from the client/individual is necessary for the Occupational Therapist to gain for ethical reasons.  


APA Reference list:

Dictionary.com. (2011). Social Justice. Retrieved March, 3, 2011 from: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/social+justice

eHow. (2011). What is the definition of information technology? Retrieved March, 2, 2011 from:  http://www.ehow.com/about_4689779_what-definition-information-technology.html

Investorwords.com. (2011). Intellectual Property. Retrieved March, 2, 2011 from: http://www.investorwords.com/2526/intellectual_property.html

WordiQ.com. (2010). Informed Consent. Retrieved 03 March 2011 from: http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Informed_consent 

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