Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required)
Information technology (IT), is defined as producing, sorting and communicating information with the use of a computer which is use to manage and store, which can later be retrieved and reviewed before sending (Allen, 2004).


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 used within healthcare to store patient records and file information. IT has been incorporated into everyday life especially in the form of computers for storing files and documents and is forever changing and upgrading to new forms

What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using?
Internet, cellphone, digital camera, photocopier, fax, word processing software

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?
With clinical notes being documented in the hospital setting
Using faxes to send documents to other relevant team members or to request equipment or verification of
Taking photos to show users i.e. staff how to use devices and equipment
Communicating between various team members with cell phones and keeping in contact
Being able to photograph group sessions, outings, clients achievements
Research purposes
Using word processing documents for professional purposes
To keep record of files and documents i.e. having the ability to store items

What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet)
Privacy and confidentiality if the person is not aware or informed
Viruses attacking the system when using the internet if it is not protected efficiently
The wrong people may access the information or images and use them inappropriately


Provide a definition of Computer Ethics (APA reference required)
Computer Ethics is a domain incorporating useful philosophy in which computer professionals base decisions around professional and social conduct



Retrieved February 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics


Provide a definition of Intellectual Property (APA reference required)

Intellectual property represents the property of your mind or intellect. Forms of intellectual property include; invention, trade mark, original design or the practical application of a good idea.
Retrieved February 14, 2007, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property








Provide a definition of Social Justice (APA reference required)

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 a "just share" must remain unclear or subject to interpretation



Retreived Februry 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice



Provide a definition of Informed Consent (APA reference required)

Informed consent is a legal condition involving a person giving their consent after being provided with clear facts of what they are consenting to and being informed of implications that may. To give consent the individual must possess the ability to reason In order to give informed consent, the individual concerned must have adequate reasoning faculties and be in aware of all the necessary information at the time of consent (Berg et al, 2001)
Informed Consent: Legal Theory and Clinical Practice by Jessica W. Berg, Paul S. Appelbaum, Lisa S. Parker, and Charles W. Lidz, Oxford University Press, 2001


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.
It is important to have an understanding ofITC and ethical issues involved especially when working with clients in practice so that we can fully inform them of their rights and the risks involved within a given context