Information Technology is defined by the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary as:the science and activity of using computers and other electronic equipment to store and send information.
This form of information technology, or, IT is hugely prevalent in our society and is becoming more commonplace each day, as new technologies are introduced. It is usual to feel comfortable using devices such as computers, cell phones, cameras to store and send information to others every day.
The use of IT is becoming more common in occupational therapy practice also. Computers are being used not only for storing client data, but also for researching specific conditions and practices, which can sometimes replace liasing with other health professionals to prepare a treatment plan. The internet is being 'consulted' by OT's, and is often a fast and effective way to gain relevant information needed.
Computers and cell phones are also being used in OT practice as a rehabilitation tool for cognitive and refined physical functioning. For clients who are comfortable using IT on a daily basis, this form of rehab feels relevant to them and also allows them to feel connected to the world while recovering.
With the growing popularity of IT and IT devices comes the ethical implications associated with transferring of information. If private information is stored on, or sent from computer to computer, it is a possibility that the information can be accessed or viewed by people who are not the intended recipients. It is also not always possible to keep record of who has viewed what information on computers on the internet.
It is also a growing issue that images and information are being captured, stored and sent without the consent of the source. Again, it is difficult to keep track of information and data, and though consent may be given for the information to be used for one purpose, often it is then copied from that source, and re-used without consent.
Because of the growing prevalence of IT in our society, there has developed a new form of ethics: computer ethics. The Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary defines ethics as:
a system of accepted beliefs which control behaviour, especially such a system based on morals.
It is now required that we all (as IT users), give thought to ethics around computers and technology, and what the accepted beliefs are around these ethics.
An accepted belief around morals and safely, particularly in the practice of occupational therapy, is the need for informed consent. This concept is exactly as it sounds, consent from an individual or individuals around the intended uses of the information they give. It must be made clear that information will only be used for the purpose outlined to the individual, and they will be clearly informed as to what that purpose is.
Another ethical issue when using IT is intellectual property. Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary:
someone's idea, invention, creation, etc., which can be protected by law from being copied by someone else
The issue around this is ensuring ideas aren't being taken and used without giving credit to the person whom the ideas 'belong to' or originally came from. This is difficult to monitor, but something that OT's must be aware of when using IT to send information.
Social Justice is an important idea when using IT to store or send information. It is different to 'Justice' as the theme we know to be based around law, in that it simply means fairness to all people around human rights and distribution of resources. We must be aware that while something may be within the law, it may not be socially just, and to get into the practice of identifying the difference.
An understanding of IT and the ethical issues it encompasses will help us in practice as OT's, and in our daily lives. We can find out what resources are available to us in practice and how to safely, ethically and justly use and distribute those resources and the information gained from them.
References:
(2010). Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary (3rd ed.)Retrieved March 14, 2010, from http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=40691&dict=CALD&topic=computer-concepts
(2010). Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary (3rd ed.)Retrieved March 14, 2010, from http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=26403&dict=CALD
(2010). Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary (3rd ed.)Retrieved March 14, 2010, from http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=41292&dict=CALD
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