This post is my first post and will be focusing on the definition of Information technology and its uses in Occupational Therapy and the ethical issues that surround the uses of technology.
Firstly Information Technology can be defined as "The technology involved with the transmission and storage of information, especially the development, installation, implementation, and management of computer systems within companies, universities, and other organizations."
In my own words this means that information technology is a device which we can use to hold information that also helps us design, use and manage systems that can be used throughout our work, school and play practices.
This form of technology is very prevalent in our society as most people now are using varying types of technology that hold information for us. Some examples of these can be as simple as a cordless phone at home. Some of these phones can store phone numbers for us to access when we need it. Another example is usb's or external hard drives that can hold small to large amounts of data that can be accessed when plugged into a computer. These devices can be used in any setting and are extremely popular among those who need to transport there data and use it in various places such as myself where I can start assignments at home on my laptop and save it to a USB to print at a computer at the polytechnic. The following link is an advert for a new version of a USB and shows the many uses for this type of storage device.
Personally I am quite comfortable using many of different types of information technology however I do have my limits. (This blog being one example although I think I'm getting there.) Ones I am very familiar with are Facebook, Hotmail, Trade me, my Internet banking site and Moodle which are all Internet sites. I am also very confident with a rather sophisticated programme known as Medtech which is used in Doctors practices and can be used to hold very large amounts of information. I have used many different types of technology ranging from cell phones to laptops to the recent IPAD and can say that I am fairly competent will all of these.
Information Technology is being used in various forms in Occupational therapy practice. It is being used as a form of documentation not only by using electronic notes but also by videoing and taking pictures of client’s progress. It is also used as a implementation tool for a client, such as taking photos of particular objects so a client can refer to these as memory cues latter on. In my own fieldwork practice in my first year there was not a lot of technology being used as the hospital were still using paper notes and the acute nature of the setting did not allow for lengthy treatment plans. When I did get the chance to work with a community OT I was able to see her use technology to help her with her practice. She was able to use a GPS to get to her destinations quicker and also used a cell phone to phone ahead to client’s homes to ensure they were in or to call her office.
Some issues that may make it complicated to incorporate IT systems and tools into practice maybe peoples abilities to use the equipment depending on how difficult it is to use and understand.
For people to build or rebuild strength of certain muscles in a fun productive way while also working on hand eye co-ordination a WII could be a great tool to use. It could be used in rehab settings for people recovering from surgery and injuries as it can provide a bit of enjoyment as well it can also increase the persons willingness to participate in treatment. The following video shows how the WII is being used for Vestibular rehabilitation at National Dizzy and Balance Centre
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FxnGpxr0mw&feature=related)
A good understanding of the use of IT can help us in practice and our daily lives as it is usually designed to somehow simplify a task or provide us with a greater source of information. Having a good understanding of this technology will make working easier as it can help us more effectively plan and manage our day by using a device that can be easily accessed in or out of the office. IT can also help by having more resources readily available when it is needed. By being able to access the Internet out of the office as OT's we may be able to contact people to get an update on the progress of certain tasks by being able to type and read emails on the spot rather than having to refer to them later in the day or using up valuable time printing.
There are a few ethical considerations that can arise when capturing and sharing or transforming of any kind of information on a IT devices or systems. The most important I think is maintaining confidentiality. For me this is a big one as I have used a system in a place of work where it was important that patients were made aware when enrolling that information stored on our computers can be used for statistical purposes. It is always made clear that the information is anonymous however they still need to consent to it. Nowadays with people posting information so freely on the Internet I feel that people aren't taking good care of what they are letting others see. Some sites like Facebook are designed to let the creator of the page choose how open to the public it is however I think the naivety of some people who may think along the lines of "well no one is going to be interested enough to look at my page anyway" may lead them to not be so careful with their information and privacy choices. Another consideration is that many people now are quite capable to put up many photos at a one time on their own pages or on other pages and in my experience they wouldn't usually have written consent from those in the photo.
Intellectual property
Intellectual property refers to the varying types of creations made by people and companies that are protected from use by others parties by law. These creations can include any design created such as a logo or symbol, a name, music or art. Groves 2007 defines Intellectual property as “any patent, trademark, copyright, design right, registered design, technical or commercial information or other intellectual property.”
Groves, P.(2007). Sourcebook on Intellectual Property law. London: Cavendish Publishing Limited.
Social justice
The free dictionary defines Social justice as "the idea of creating an egalitarian society or institution that is based on the principles of equality and solidarity, that understands and values human rights, and that recognises the dignity of every human being." It is a concept that is used to create a world that is socially equal or just by taking into account that we all are equal members of society, no matter what background, who all deserve to have equal rights and access to services and benefits in society.
Retrieved April 20, 2011, from http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/social+justice
Informed consent
"Informed consent is a legal procedure to ensure that a patient or client knows all of the risks and costs involved in a treatment." Informed consent is usually required when someone is about to involve themselves in some form of action where they should be given a clear explanation of the facts, implications, and future consequences of the action if there is a chance it may have some affect on their confidentiality, safety, health or mental wellbeing. Some examples of informed consent would be to enrol in a medical setting as some of the information about them may be shared to gain government funding.
Retrieved April 20, 2011, from http://psychology.about.com/od/iindex/g/def_informedcon.htm
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