Tutorial One: Information and Ethical Issues

Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (IT) is defined as the study or use of systems such as computers and telecommunications for storing, retrieving and sending information. (Compact Oxford English Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.askoxford.com:80/concise_oed/informationtechnology?view=uk)

Technology is very prevalent in our society and has transformed the way we communicate, where and how we work, shop and learn. ICT has become very common and society is so accustomed and reliant on technology.

I feel very comfortable using technology as it has always integrated into the way I live my life. For example, I can competently use computers to study, communicate with friends and family, organise and listen to music via iPods. However, there are still areas that I am not as competent with as I have never done them before such as this blog.

As Information Technology is integrated more and more into society and becoming a more universal tool it is adapting the way we work.(Bynum, T.W. & Rogerson, S. (2004). Computer ethics and professional responsibility. Oxford Blackwell Publishing).This is evident in Occupational Therapy as therapists embrace the use of IT to communicate with other staff members, clients and their families and ACC funding sites such as ACC via emailing. Clients also have information that is stored and can be accessed on the computer. Therapists rely on cell phones for safety precautions and communications, especially in the community settings. Pagers are used to liaise with therapists and relied on heavily in inpatient hospital settings. Lastly, the traditional telephone and fax machines are also used to communicate with clients and other staff members.

However, because of using IT with communication about clients ethical issues can arise from sharing, capturing and transferring information is via IT devices. As most information liaised with is private ethical issues can arise if the wrong person acquires private or confidential information.
The common terms used are:
-Computer ethics is defined as "a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social contact" (Computer Ethics, 2008) retrieved May 6, 2009, form www.wikipedia.org/wiki/computer_ethics

-Intellectual property refers to "creations — including inventions, artistic works, names and designs — that are legally protected. Intellectual property includes patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets."
(Reuters, T. (2004, July 20).Glossary of Patent terms. Retrieved June 04, 2009, from Delphion: http://www.delphion.com/help/glossary#infringement)

-Social justice refers to the "concept of a society in which justice is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely a select group" (Social Justice, 2009) retrieved may 6, 2009, from www.wikipedia.org/wiki/social_justice

-Informed consent refers to the "consent by a patient to undergo a medical or surgical treatment or to participate in an experiment after the patient understands the risks involved."
(University of Princeton. (n.d.). Informed consent. Retrieved June 04, 2009, from Wordnet: http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=informed%20consent)

I think that having an understanding of the ethical issues surrounding the use of ITC will help us be more aware and responsible with how we use ITC in the workplace. As Occupational Therapists, we are confined to confidentiality and privacy acts so having an awareness of the implications that can arise from the use of ITC can help us protect the confidentiality of the clients we work with.