Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical issues

Information Technology is "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware."
Retrieved 8march 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology

Technology has become very common place in our society it has become part of our social norms to use many different technologies on a daily basis.

Some of the IT devices or systems I feel comfortable using are things like T.V, video, DVD, digital camera, video camera, computers, face book, bebo, internet banking and the list could go on and on.

How is IT being used in Occupational Therapy practice? Occupational therapist’s send emails to other health professionals, they can use power point for their presentations, many community OT’s have cell phones on them in case of emergency etc. You could direct a client to a web site to get more information on a subject. Most importantly OT’s submit the competencies each year to the OT board of NZ, for their registration.

People can misuse information on the internet. They don’t get consent to use images on the internet then other people can use those images, the internet has not privacy.
Computer ethics “is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct.” Retrieved 8 march 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics.

Intellectual property “is a term referring to a number of distinct types of legal monopolies over creations of the mind, both artistic and commercial, and the corresponding fields of law.” Retrieved 8 march 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property

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 “just share” must remain unclear or subject to interpretation. Retrieved March 8, 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice

With informed consent the individual concerned must have adequate reasoning faculties and be in possession of all relevant facts at the time consent is given

As Occupational Therapists it is important to have an understanding of ITC and ethical issues in our practice and daily lives. This is due to new technologies being developed and becoming more common place. Understanding ethical issues will help us to maintain our client’s privacy.