Information Technology & Ethical Issues. (A good place to start. Tutorial One)

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology

information technology
The technology involved with the transmission and storage of information, especially the development, installation, implementation, and management of computer systems within companies, universities, and other organizations.

information technology. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Science Dictionary. Retrieved May 31, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/information technology

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

Information technology is very commonplace in our society today. One only has to take note of all the gadgets we may use in a day. Information Technology is not just confined to the computers that sit on the desk. It is included in the cell phones we call on, text on and pxt on, the mp3 players we listen to, the eft-pos machine we pay with. It’s even involved in some of the newer cars we drive. To be a part of mainstream society, it is almost a requirement to have some form of IT in our homes or work place.

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

For the most part I am confidant and competent using the basics of most devices. There is almost always, however feature on these devices that I either do not know how to use or at least never tried to. I am confidant until errors or breakdowns occur, although, these times, after the initial frustration, often lead to a period of learning and an increase in knowledge that will hopefully leave me best prepared for issues in the future. (All thanks to my computer “geek” friends that are much more tech savvy than I).

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

IT was used to store client information, both current and history. In one setting, client notes were in the process of going completely electronic. (The potential risk of these been lost in system failure worries me. I guess there are robust back-up systems to eliminate that risk). Discharge reports were stored on computer drives allowing communal access for each person involved with a client’s treatment to be added. IDT meeting minutes, and other reports were all stored on the DHB system under separate drives. Communication was often electronic between therapists and clients, other colleagues, equipment providers etc, with the use of email, fax, and mobile phone.

What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices?

Security and privacy issues have to be considered with the use IT devices. Personal information e.g. addresses, pin numbers, credit card numbers, all have the potential to be abused and used for fraud, should security barriers be insufficient, allowing hackers into sensitive information. There must also be consideration taken for information that may be posted on the likes of social networking sites like “myspace” and “facebook”. All information or pictures etc involving others should ideally have consent before use. Even friends should have the right to decide if they are happy having the public view them.

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.

Computer_ethics. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved June 03, 2008, from Reference.com website: http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Computer_ethics

Provide a definition of Intellectual Property (APA reference required)

Intellectual property is an intangible creation of the human mind, usually expressed or translated into a tangible form, that is assigned certain rights of property. Examples of intellectual property include an author's copyright on a book or article, a distinctive logo design representing a soft drink company and its products, unique design elements of a web site, or a patent on the process to manufacture chewing gum. Intellectual property law covers the protection of copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, as well as other legal areas, such as unfair competition. In effect, intellectual property laws give the creator of a new and unique product or idea a temporary monopoly on its use. The value of intellectual property to an individual or company is not based on physical properties, such as size and structure. Instead, intellectual property is valuable because it represents ownership and an exclusive right to use, manufacture, reproduce, or promote a unique creation or idea. In this way, it is perhaps the most valuable asset a person or small business can own.

Intellectual Property. (n.d.). Encyclopedia of Small Business. Retrieved June 03, 2008, from Reference.com website: http://www.reference.com/browse/tgesb/34043003100

Provide a definition of Social Justice.

Social justice refers to the concept of a society in which justice is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely the administration of law. The term can be amorphous and refer to sometimes self-contradictory values of justice. It is generally thought of as a world which affords individuals and groups fair treatment and an impartial share of the benefits of society. (Different proponents of social justice have developed different interpretations of what constitutes fair treatment and a impartial share.) It can also refer to the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within a society.

Social_justice. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved June 03, 2008, from Reference.com website: http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Social_justice

Provide a definition of Informed Consent.

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. The individual needs to be in possession of relevant facts and also of his or her reasoning faculties, such as not being mentally retarded or mentally ill and without an impairment of judgment at the time of consenting. Such impairments might include illness, intoxication, insufficient sleep, and other health problems.

Informed_consent. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved June 03, 2008, from Reference.com website: http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Informed_consent

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

Knowledge of Information Technology/Communications will allow us to perhaps the most appropriate choices that would be beneficial and help keep practices more efficient and up to date. With new technology, comes potentially new ethical issues so we must be sure we are well informed before taking on new technology with potentially more risks.

Information that we obtain from clients is often sensitive and private. It is important to have knowledge of ITC so that we may also be aware of the risks in handling such information. It is important to keep both our client’s and our own private information confidential and practice appropriate security methods to do so. Knowing how information can be obtained, will dictate which security measures and precautions one should take.