Technical description from tutorial 1

Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required)
The use of computers, telecommunications, etc in electronic processing, storing, retrieving and sending information.

Allen, R. (consultant editor). (2004). The penguin English dictionary. London: Penguin Books.

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


In society computers are now considered to be an essential part of technology which are used in many common places such as home, work, education institutions including primary, secondary and tertiary, hospitals, internet cafeterias, hotels, backpackers etc

This form of technology is very common and essential that wireless hot spots are becoming more frequently common and available in spaces such as airports, cafeterias etc. This allows people with wireless laptops to gain access to the world wide web for retrieving and sending information via email.

Telecommunication has increased throughout the workplace through telecommunication and video conferencing to allow members from another place to communicate in a meeting or conference to discuss ideas and work matters etc.

Through computers you are now able to communicate internationally or nationally with the use of technology such as skype, webcams and microphones which are able to be attached to your pc as long as you have the internet. This is becoming more popular due to efficiency, reliability and it is cheap to run and maintain.


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

Social networking sites
Printers/scanners
Memory sticks/USB’s
Emailing
Digital Cameras and photo programmes onto the comp
Grab a seat/booking Travel
Google
Cell phones- txt, pxt, email, internet, video, weather


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

Driving Assessments- computer stimulation program
Digital cameras for house modifications
Pagers
Laptops
Cell phones
Hospital network
Personal alarms
Duress alarms

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

When using cell phones and email you need to consider confidentiality of the patient to ensure that you don’t disclose inappropriate information to others and ensure that it is being sent to appropriate people.

Provide a definition of Computer Ethics (APA reference required)

Computer ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct.

Retrieved May 12, 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 May 12, 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 May 12, 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 May 12, 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.

It is important to understand how computers and cell phones operate and that ethical issues may arise due to patient information which could end up in the wrong hands, this would be breaching patient confidentiality which will be a huge implication for OT practice. In daily lives people are constantly communicating through txt, pxt, ringing, email, and chat rooms etc it can become an ethical dilemma if others forward your messages or email through onto others and it could be perceived wrongly and cause controversy.