Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology:

Information technology (IT), also known as Information and Communication(s) Technology (ICT) and Infocomm in Asia, is concerned with the use of technology in managing and processing information, especially in large organizations.
Retrieved February 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_Technology


Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become?

IT pretty much has a place in every part of our lives. We use it at work- emails, fax, phone; at home to keep in touch with people- Facebook, bebo, skype, chatrooms, forums, blogs, websites, cellphones etc. Anyone can be instantly contacted, and I don’t know many people that don’t have their cellphone on them pretty much 24/7.


What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using?

I am comfortable using most IT devices/systems within reason. I am by no means an IT pro but I am confident using the devices that I commonly do, for the purposes I need them for. I am however over my head when it comes to higher level stuff like programming etc.


Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?

My Fieldwork 1 placement was in a private practise setting. Phones were used constantly as a method of booking appointments (including by text), and keeping in touch; emailing (to ACC and other colleagues); the company had their own website (for advertising and info purposes).
Fieldwork 3 was in a hospital setting- again phones, cellphones, emailing, and a company website (for the WDHB) were all used. We also used the internet for information purposes i.e. researching conditions and current and up to date medical knowledge.


What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet)?

Practise for OT:
- Client privacy- informed consent
- Possibility of theft
- Open to manipulation
- Rules around storage and access

General:
- Pictures taken without consent from the subject
- More difficult to get away with things
- You have a responsibility to the subject and anyone else associated to use images responsibly and ethically


Provide a definition of Computer Ethics:

Computer ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct.
Retrieved February 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics


Provide a definition of Intellectual Property (APA reference required)

In law, intellectual property (IP) is an umbrella term for various legal entitlements which attach to certain types of information, ideas, or other intangibles in their expressed form. The holder of this legal entitlement is generally entitled to exercise various exclusive rights in relation to the subject matter of the IP. The term intellectual property reflects the idea that this subject matter is the product of the mind or the intellect, and that IP rights may be protected at law in the same way as any other form of property. However, the use of the term and the concepts it is said to embody are the subject of some controversy.
Retrieved February 14, 2007, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property


Provide a definition of Social Justice (APA reference required)

Social justice mostly refers to an ideal of society, where "justice" refers to economic status rather than to the administration of laws. It is based on the idea of a society which gives individuals and groups fair treatment and a just share of the benefits of society, although what is "fair treatment" and a "just share" must remain unclear or subject to interpretation.
Retreived Februry 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice


Provide a definition of Informed Consent (APA reference required)

Informed consent is a legal condition whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon an appreciation and understanding of the facts and implications of an action.
Retrieved February 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_consent


In your own words briefly summarise why (or why not) a great understanding of ITC and the ethical issues it encompasses will help us in our practice and daily lives.

As discussed earlier IT plays a role in almost every aspect of our lives, and in the future I can only see this becoming more and more the case. With IT playing such a role in people’s lives it would be wrong for the OT profession to ignore it in our interventions. As far as using it for our own purposes- it provides such efficient and convenient means of communication for both professional and personal purposes that we would be stupid not to take advantage. Knowledge of ethical issues is important particularly pertaining to the use of IT in a professional setting as we deal with client/patient privacy and mistakes could cost us our jobs.