The focus of this posting is to discuss the experience I have had of using digital technology provide definitions for Information Technology/ Information Communications Technology as well as the ethical issues related to technological use as a medium for information distribution.
Information Technology (IT) "refers to anything related to computing technology, such as networking, hardware, software, the Internet, or the people that work with these technologies (Techterms Computer Dictionary, 2011)".
As the definition above says, IT refers to anything related to technology that is involved in relaying information. This might be computers, phones, cameras or different software such as Photoshop.
I am very comfortable using technology; it is a very vital part of my life. The most important one is browsing the internet using my laptop, my use of IT is expanded if the internet network is available, and however without access to internet, the use of my laptop is significantly limited.
IT is very important in Occupational Therapy practice because it can be used to keep records of clients information such as clinical notes, referrals etc. For procedures such as house modifications, adaptive equipment measures, using digital camera to capture those images for later observations is very helpful.
The issues that surrounds OTs adopting IT systems and tools include privacy concerns, ethical considerations, informed consents from clients and any person that might be affected by it i.e. photos.
According to World Intellectual Property Organization (2011) “Intellectual property refers to the creations of mind: inventions, literacy, artistic, symbols, names, images and designs used in commerce.” In OT practice, considerations should be made of IP and IT in terms of using any IT content that may infringe on the rights of IP e.g. capturing images that might break the laws of IP or not gaining informed consent from the appropriate persons before using the material.
Social justice emphasises equality in all aspects of society; equal rights in all fronts whether it is labour, gender, ethnicity etc. All people should have equal rights in society despite any statuses (Ellis-Christensen, 2011).
In OT, clients should have the right to privacy at any time; when an OT takes photos of the client, or store the client’s information file on a computer, it is important that the therapist makes sure the privacy of the client is not compromised in any way.
Informed consent refers to when the consent of a person is sought when they are fully aware of the circumstances. In OT practice, if the therapist wishes to record or take photo of a client, they should at first disclose the reason, results and nature of such requests. Once the client fully aware, they can give their consent.
References:
References:
Ellis-Christensen, T. (2011). What is social justice? Retrieved 1 March, from http://mh-jy.com/Encyclopedia/what-is-social-justice.htm
Techterms Computer Dictionary. (2011). Technical terms. Retrieved 1 March, from http://www.techterms.com/definition/it
World Intellectual Property Organization. 2011. What is intellectual property? Retrieved 1 March, from http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/
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