Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required)

Information technology: 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?

This form of technology is prevalent in our society in the form of home computers, work computers, telephones, cell phones, laptops, PDA's, facsimile's, iPods, MP3 players, pagers, photocopiers, printers, digital camera's, and so on. It is very common place in NZ society; I think it is more common for someone to use a cell phone and computer then not.

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

Cell phone, computer, fax, printer, photocopier, telephone, and MP3 player.

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

At my placement the OT's in my department used DHB telephones, computers, pagers, cellphones when out of the hospital on home visits, printer, photocopier, fax. Also digital camera if on home visit and needed to take pictures of areas of the house or furniture/equipment that needed adaptation/modifications.

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

People may have their privacy taken away from them without them even knowing. Also, when using emailing and text messaging, it is quite easy to accidently send the information to the wrong recipient/s. This can obviously cause the sharing of private information about yourself or someone else (perhaps a client) with someone totally inappropriate.
Another ethical concern is the posting of personal information or photographs on the internet. This is extremely easy to do and can have devastating effects on people because so many people use the interenet - your private life could become common knowledge (eg Pammy and Tommy's video).

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.
With the growth of the Internet, privacy issues as well as concerns regarding computing technologies such as spyware and web browser cookies have called into question ethical behavior in technology.

Retrieved June 11, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics

Provide a definition of Intellectual Property (APA reference required)

Intellectual property (IP) is a legal field that refers to creations of the mind such as musical, literary, and artistic works; inventions; and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, and related rights. Under intellectual property law, the holder of one of these abstract "properties" has certain exclusive rights to the creative work, commercial symbol, or invention by which it is covered.

Retrieved June 11, 2008, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property

Provide a definition of Social Justice (APA reference required)

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. 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 an impartial share.) It can also refer to the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within a society.

Retrieved 11 June, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justiceProvide 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. 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.

Retrieved June 11, 2008, 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.

I think a great understanding of Information Communications Technology in our practice as OT's and daily lives because it will allow us competent and confidential use of many technologies that will assist our work and make our personal life more convenient: computers for research, emailing, word processing with built-in spell check, spread sheets that solve equations for you; telephones and cell phones for keeping in touch with clients, colleagues, friends and family; digital camera's for capturing images of items/areas needing adaptation, of clients (for example) as a record of progress, of yourself or other people as a personal record/memorabilia.
An good understanding of the ethical issues will help us because we will be keeping client information confidential (this is a legal requirement as well as professional practice). Also we will avoid sharing personal information of ourself or others with the wrong people (privacy is a legal issue as well as one of personal principle or standards).