Information Technology
Information technology, also known as IT can be defined as "The branch of engineering that deals with the use of computers and telecommunications to retrieve and store and transmit information".
WordNet (2011). Information Technology. Retrieved from http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=information%20technology.
This definition I believe sums up a relatively broad area surrounding technology. If Im honest, prior to this paper my only encounter with an IT technician was asking him to add some money onto my printing credit. So as you can tell, I had limited understanding of what went on behind the scenes. I am now aware that when I turn my computer on I am involved with a wide range of IT aspects, from converting, storing and retrieving information. Emailing, facebook, youtube would not be made possible without IT. IT has allowed the world's population to access areas of the planet which would not be made accessable without it. It is constantly changing and improving, bringing us modern forms of IT in the function's of mobel phones, Ipods, MP3 players, game consoles and many more. Who knows where this form of technology will be for the generation's to come.
How important is IT within society? ....... VITUAL
Society is about the connection of humans within a particular area, their social status and the roles that one plays. Supermarkets, banks, retail shops, all areas among our society which use and rely on IT to help run the business. Supermarkets, banks and hospitals are estential for our survival within society. Each of these areas are run by a date base storing, retrieving and relaying information back to workers, enabling the link between society and IT. Here is an interesting video relating to this topic.
Within my life I have been exposed to a number of varied areas within IT, such as; cellphones, Tv, Ipod, camera, computer, gaming consoles. I am confident in using these however the age old saying, technology is fantastic but the moment it stops working I am at a complete loss and it infuriates me.
I was placed in a community setting last year, more often then not my supervisor and myself were out of the office throughout the day. My supervisor always carried with her a cell phone and also a pager. These connected her back to her co-workers, which they could easily contact her regarding another patient. Patients files are all be located on a large data base, allowing many health professionals to access. Programs on the computer such as, designing a floor plan for a patients new bathroom or sending away a proposal to ACC, in relation to founding. Above are all areas which i encountered involving IT, during my Occupation Therapy practical experience.
Issues surrounding these forms of IT are, if there is ever a powercut or cell phone companies systems crash, it leaves many therapists and doctors without communication. Health professionals are unable to access important information.
Technology is being incorporated within interventions to improve a patients quality of life. Whether it is improving ones cognitive function or the range or motion from a result of a brain injury. Here is a video, of a new rehab focus using technology.
Im sure if you asked an Occupational Therapist, who practiced in 1970 whether there was a place in the OT process for technology, they would laugh at you. However over time technology has begun to shape our current lifestyle. It has improved the communication between health professionals, connecting each other through one data base and making it more mangable to access. For those with the only ability to blink an eye or verbally talk, technology has provided patients to engage in activities they never would have dreamed about doing. It has created an independence among many disabled individuals. Technology is the way forward, and a concept which OT's need to become familar with, as it surrounds us during practice.
Ethics
Although technology is a significant concept within our lifes, ethical responsiblities are a must. Privacy, copywriting, are areas which need to be considered. Addressing and stating who a recording belongs to needs to be made clear. Although it is all too easy to copy and paste, the ownership of someone elses work should be identified. Receiving consent to film or capture someone involves ones privacy and the right to be able to say no.
Terminology such as intellectual property, social justice and informed consent are three important concepts relating to ethics.
Intellectual Property
The Intellectual Property organization states that, Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creation of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce.
(Retrieved from http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/)
To summerize IP, it simply means what ever an individual has produced, it belongs souly to them. While using someone else work, one must acknowledge or ask before pursuing. As an Occupational Therapist it is crutial we use evidence to support our clincial decisions. However if the therapist has used someone else's ideas and research, acknowledging that person is their intellectual property.
Social Justice
Wikipedia defines social justice as "the idea of creating a society or institution that is base on the principles of equality and solidarity, that understands and value human rights, and that recognizes the dignity of every human being".
(Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice)
Based upon this defination every human being has the opportunity and access to benefits in a equal manner. In relation to Occupational Therapy, new technology is often becoming available with the help from founding, each client has the right to the opportunity to access it.
Informed Consent
About.com defines Informed Consent as "a legal procedure to ensure that a patient or client knows all of the risks and costs involved in a treatment. The elements of informed consents include informing the client of the nature of the treatment, possible alternative treatments, and the potential risks and benefits of the treatment."
(Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/iindex/g/def_informedcon.htm).
A very important legal document explanning an individuals human right, to have the choose to say no, with all the information present. There are many occasions while practicing as an Occupational Therapist which you must get informed consent for. Typical occasions include, recording a patient, you need to explain what the information will be used for, what will happen with the information and who will see it.
That concludes Tutorial One.
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