Tutorial One: Information Technology (IT) and Ethical Issues

Information Technology noun: the use of computers, telecommunications, etc in electronic processing, storing, retrieving, and sending information.
(Allen, 2004).

Telecommunications can be described as the assisted transmission over a distance for the purpose of communication (Wikipedia, 2009). In earlier times this form of communication involved things such as smoke signals and drums so has always been present society. However in the last 50 years or so with improvements to the mobile phone and the birth of the ‘World Wide Web’ telecommunication has become so common place is something used almost everyday by all people in society. The age at which a child owns mobile phone is getting younger and the internet has become essential to students for their studies. Then there is internet banking, shopping the television, radio, EFTPOS, ATMs. Telecommunications has become a key component to the function of society today.

IT devices that I feel comfortable and competent using include: Internet, mobile phones, conventional phone, EFTPOS, ATMs, digital cameras, television, DVDs, MP3s etc.

It devices are very common place in Occupational Therapy practice. Many practices use mobile phones to get in touch with clients and other health professionals. The inter and intranet is used by DHB’s to share important information. Online forums specific to Occupational Therapy are used to links O.T’s from around the world. Email has also become and important tool in Occupational Therapy practice with it used for communicate between other team members, suppliers, clients and other industries.

When using IT devices it is important to consider and ethical issues that may arise. Privacy is perhaps the biggest ethical implication that arises from the sharing transferring and capturing of information. At anytime in this process information can be copied and shared without the consent of the parties concerned. The reliability of information available is something that almost must be questioned as anyone can share information. Leading on from that is anonymity, this has its advantages as it allows people to openly share information without fear of being judged, but in some cases is abused by individuals.

Computer Ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct.
Retrieved May 18, 2009, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics

Intellectual property (IP) are legal property rights over creations of the mind, both artistic and commercial, and the corresponding fields of law.[1] Under intellectual property law, owners are granted certain exclusive rights to a variety of intangible assets, such as musical, literary, and artistic works; ideas, discoveries and inventions; and words, phrases, symbols, and designs. Common types of intellectual property include copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial design rights and trade secrets.
Retrieved May 18, 2009, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_Property

Social justice, sometimes called civil 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.
Retrieved May 18, 2009, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice

Informed consent is a legal condition whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon a clear appreciation and understanding of the facts, implications and future consequences of an action. In order to give informed consent, the individual concerned must have adequate reasoning faculties and be in possession of all relevant facts at the time consent is given. Impairments to reasoning and judgement which would make it impossible for someone to give informed consent include such factors as severe mental disability, severe mental illness, intoxication, severe sleep deprivation, Alzheimer's disease, or being in a coma.
Retrieved May 18, 2009, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_Consent

As Occupational therapist it is important to have an understanding of the different IT devices available to us as advance in IT is making it more and more common place each day. An awareness of the ethical implications is also paramount for practicing OTs as we are often working with people who are vulnerable situations and have trusted us to keep there information confidential.