TUTORIAL ONE: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

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

IT is the use of computers, telecomunications, etc in electronic processing, storing, retreiving, 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?

IT has occupied significant place in our lives. Today majority of people cannot imagine themselves without a cellphone, computer, ipod, laptop, memory stick, digital camera, email, search engines, ‘grabaseat’, ‘trademe’ etc.

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

- Cellphone
- Digital camera
- Emails
- Search engines
- Memory stick
- Online shopping

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

Computer programmes – writing notes and reports
Internet – resources
Phone/Email – keep in contact with a client

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

Confidentiality and privacy. In some cases confidentiality form may be applied.

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.

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

Provide a definition of Intellectual Property (APA reference required)

In law, intellectual property (IP) is an umbrella term for various legal entitlements which attach to certain types of information, ideas, or other intangibles in their expressed form. The holder of this legal entitlement is generally entitled to exercise various exclusive rights in relation to the subject matter of the IP. The term intellectual property reflects the idea that this subject matter is the product of the mind or the intellect, and that IP rights may be protected at law in the same way as any other form of property. However, the use of the term and the concepts it is said to embody are the subject of some controversy.

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.

Retrieved February 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 whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon an appreciation and understanding of the facts and implications of an action.

Retrieved February 14, 2007, 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.

Understanding of ITC is vital as we are surrounded by it every day e.g. thought participation in text, emails, computer use etc. Acknowledging the ethical issues it encompasses is important in OT practice when dealing with client confidentiality and privacy.