Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required)
Information technology n. The production, storage and communication of information using computers and microelectronics.
Hanks, P. (ed). (1989) Collins Concise Dictionary. Glasgow: Bath Press.

Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become?
Within our society today a range of technological resources are available including television, computers, cameras, ipods, university blackboard, emails, scanners, printers etc. These technologies have become prevalent within society as information technology has become commonplace, certainly within developed countries.

What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using?
Computers, cameras, mobiles, design computer software programmes, mp3s.

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?
Considering IT used on placement, my supervising OT would use IT to:
- store clients notes/records on computers
- cameras to record activities of clients eg. Adventure walks, crafts groups
- mobile phones for communicative purposes
- portable laptops for convenience
- printers, photocopiers and scanners available within office environment

What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet)
Ethical implications can include:
- bridge of privacy
- misuse of info
- social justice issues
- management and access to information
- greased data (easily copied and transferred easily)

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 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 occupational therapists an understanding of Information Technology Communications (ITC) and the ethical issues it encompasses will assist us in practice. Use of technology is unavoidable, with benefits such as helping us to speed up processes, easy access to resources, and work proficiency. However, it is important to keep in mind issues of privacy and confidentiality.