Monday, March 22, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Information Technology and Ethical Issues
Information Technology or Information Communications Technology according to Salaam 2010 it defines an industry that is associated with using a range of technology such as networking, software programming, computers, as well as other equipment to help store information as well as processing, transmitting and protecting information.
This form of technology is relevant to society today because we live in a society that uses a range of computing programmes and networks and other forms of technology in our day to day lives. We also use it in different ways to gather information, to protect information and to receive information. It has become a very common place as it is a very useful tool we use on a day to day basis.
For myself I feel most comfortable using the computer only to an extent as I am not super knowledgable on everything it does but it is something I would use from day to day. I am also comfortable using cameras, cellphones, and the television as well as music devices such as mp3 players.
In relation to Occupational Therapy practice, Information Technology is being used in many ways to help therapists with intervention. There are video assessments which are used to assess a client. Information from other health professionals and on conditions can be easily accessibly on the internet or by email. Mobile phones are useful to contact clients or other services that Occupational Therapists work with.
There are ethical implications that do arise from the capturing, sharing and transferrig of information via Information Technology devices. There are ethical issues for the client if there is information or photographs of them being shared around by other health professionals. The client has no real control over what gets shared through IT systems. Therefore while being in practice it is important for Occupational Therapists and other health professionals to ask for informed consent from the client before undergoing any photographing or transferring of information.
According to the computer ethics website (2008) computer ethics is said to be a set of moral principles that are based around the use of computers. There are some common issues of computer ethics and there is again a range of these such as, intellectual property rights (such as copyrighted electronic material), how computers affect todays society as well as privacy concerns.
According to the intellectual property website (n.d.). intellectual property is said to be the creations of the mind such as literary, artisistic works, symbols, names, inventions, images, and designs all used in commerce.
According to Ellis-Christensen (2010) social justice is said to be oncerned with equal justice looking at the bigger picture of things and not just in the courts. It includes all aspects of society. the concept of social justice demands that people have equal rights and opportunities. From the poorest person all the way to the wealthiest all deserve equal respect and justice no matter what culture or age or person they are.
According to Smith (2010) the term informed consent is said to be a concept in the medical communtity which supports the idea that patients should be fully informed at all stages of their treatment and medical trials. They should be told of everything that is happeneing and be up to date with what their health professionals are all doing for them.
In summary a great understanding of Information Technology is important to come to terms with as well as understanding the ethical issues that encompasses with it. These will help Occupational Therapists and other health professionals in practice and daily lives because we will be more familiar with all of these ethical issues and while working with clients and realise how their values are important for us to recognise. I think with recognising these ethics can help improve the rapport between client and therapist and the outcome of therapy will be more successful and rewarding after having come to terms with relasing these ethics.
This form of technology is relevant to society today because we live in a society that uses a range of computing programmes and networks and other forms of technology in our day to day lives. We also use it in different ways to gather information, to protect information and to receive information. It has become a very common place as it is a very useful tool we use on a day to day basis.
For myself I feel most comfortable using the computer only to an extent as I am not super knowledgable on everything it does but it is something I would use from day to day. I am also comfortable using cameras, cellphones, and the television as well as music devices such as mp3 players.
In relation to Occupational Therapy practice, Information Technology is being used in many ways to help therapists with intervention. There are video assessments which are used to assess a client. Information from other health professionals and on conditions can be easily accessibly on the internet or by email. Mobile phones are useful to contact clients or other services that Occupational Therapists work with.
There are ethical implications that do arise from the capturing, sharing and transferrig of information via Information Technology devices. There are ethical issues for the client if there is information or photographs of them being shared around by other health professionals. The client has no real control over what gets shared through IT systems. Therefore while being in practice it is important for Occupational Therapists and other health professionals to ask for informed consent from the client before undergoing any photographing or transferring of information.
According to the computer ethics website (2008) computer ethics is said to be a set of moral principles that are based around the use of computers. There are some common issues of computer ethics and there is again a range of these such as, intellectual property rights (such as copyrighted electronic material), how computers affect todays society as well as privacy concerns.
According to the intellectual property website (n.d.). intellectual property is said to be the creations of the mind such as literary, artisistic works, symbols, names, inventions, images, and designs all used in commerce.
According to Ellis-Christensen (2010) social justice is said to be oncerned with equal justice looking at the bigger picture of things and not just in the courts. It includes all aspects of society. the concept of social justice demands that people have equal rights and opportunities. From the poorest person all the way to the wealthiest all deserve equal respect and justice no matter what culture or age or person they are.
According to Smith (2010) the term informed consent is said to be a concept in the medical communtity which supports the idea that patients should be fully informed at all stages of their treatment and medical trials. They should be told of everything that is happeneing and be up to date with what their health professionals are all doing for them.
In summary a great understanding of Information Technology is important to come to terms with as well as understanding the ethical issues that encompasses with it. These will help Occupational Therapists and other health professionals in practice and daily lives because we will be more familiar with all of these ethical issues and while working with clients and realise how their values are important for us to recognise. I think with recognising these ethics can help improve the rapport between client and therapist and the outcome of therapy will be more successful and rewarding after having come to terms with relasing these ethics.
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