This first posting is to explain some definitions that have relation to information technology. Also it will discuss some of the ethical issues that arise with information technology and other technological devices.
Information Technology: "It refers to anything to computing technology, such as networking, hardware, software, the Internet or the people that work with these technologies."
Retrieved February 24th 2011, from www.techterms.com/definition/it
This definition covers anything technical device that can store information on it for a period of time e.g. computers, laptops, mobile phones and digital cameras.
Considering the definition of IT. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become?
I use some form of IT everday in my life. I use my cellphone to keep in contact with friends and family also to communicate with my boss. I use the internet to be informed with current events and what my course schedule will be like for the week coming. Many other people will do exactly the same as me to keep in contact with others over the day. Majority of people have a cellphone and most also have a laptop or computer to their work on or check emails.
The IT devices I feel comfortable using are my cellphone, laptop and a digital camera.
Thinking about my fieldwork experiences
How is IT used in Occupational Therapy practice?
IT is used in OT when they go on a homevisit the OT may take a camera to take photos of a housing modification or a clients positioning that may need to altered. In the community settings the OT's often take cellphones with them so that others can contact them while they are out on a visit or if they need make a phone call themselves.
Issues that may exist around OT's adoption of IT systems and tools could be that when we store information about a client on a computer there may not be a written hard copy meaning if the computer crashes then the notes and information may become lost forever. But if there was a hard copy then that information can be stored away in a filing system that can be accessed by others.
Ethical implications that may arise from capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices can be issues around chinese whispers, mis-intepreting information given because you aren't talking to the person face to face. Also risk of information not being private.
Intellectual Property: (IP) "refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic workds, and symbols, names, images and designs used in commerce."
Retreived February 27th 2011, from www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/
In OT practice we draw on others theories to back up on what we doing (theoretical reasoning), to justify our work. Their techniques that they developed are IP. Using information technology we can adapt or improve previous theories.
Social Justice: "Social justice generally refers to the idea of creating a society or institution that is based on the principles of equality and solidarity, that understands and values human rights, and that recognised the dignity of every human being."
Retrieved February 24th 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice
In relation to OT practice confidentiality is very important as we obtain and store personal information about clients so keeping that information private is valuing the clients human rights and their dignity.
Informed Consent: "is a phase often used in law to indicate that the consent a person gives meets certain minimum standards. An informed consent can be said to have been given based upon a clear appreciation and understanding of the facts, implications and future consequences of an action."
Retrieved February 24th 2011, from www.wikipedia.org/wiki/informed_consent
At the beginning of each assessment that you conduct on a client you ask for their consent to do so, majority of the time the client will comply and proceed with the assessment.
No comments:
Post a Comment