Tutorial One Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Information Technology (or IT) is described as “the technology involved in acquiring, storing, processing distributing information by electronic means.” Collin, S. (2003). Dictionary of science and technology. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.

Information technology encompasses many common items in todays environment. Many of these services were not available 10-15 years ago. Some common areas include books, electronic books, power point presentations, mobile phones and telephones, satellites, hard drives, old friends, GPS systems, blackberry, IPods, MP3 players, DVD, gaming consoles and email.

Myself, I am comfortable using a number of the ones listed above, although I am still getting used to and a little reluctant to have too much information on personal bog sites. I do enjoy texting and receiving them back, and use this as a form of mini communication and to touch base with others. I have recently purchased a new DVD player with a hard drive which I just love, the ease of use in recording is great. Although I am still getting used to all the features it has and probably will not utilise them all.

In my latest placement in Nelson, Information Technology was utilised fairly routinely with cameras, desk top computers that were shared by a few users as were the printers, although there were no laptops insight. Access of information is via a large hospital IT department where they have access to an Intranet in-house service and on line data. Mobile phones were taken by the OT's and Nurses if they were to leave the inpatient setting with clients just in case communication was required. there were many times when someone out in the car was phoned and called on to do an extra task or pick up an extra client.

There are some ethical considerations to be considered when using systems that many people can access, thinking about those who need to access the information and whether others do not need the same access. In this particular setting they were fairly relaxed about letting a student access the Hospital Intranet and their own log ins as we did not have one of our own. It is possible this could be abused, although ti seems fairly unlikely as the students are there to learn. We also had access to client information and files on line which is very confidential.

Computer Ethics is defined as "a set of moral principles that regulate the use of computers. Some common issues of computer ethics include intellectual property rights (such as copyrighted electronic content), privacy concerns, and how computers affect society." Retrieved from http://www.techterms.com/definition/computerethics.

Intellectual Property is defined as “an idea, a design, that some body has created and that the law prevents other people from copying.” Hornby, A. S. (2005). Oxford advanced learner’s dictionary of current English. Oxford: University Press.

Social Justice is defined as "Fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion, etc, are to be treated equally and without prejudice." Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/social-justice.html

Informed Consent was described as an “agreement to a procedure, typically a surgical one, in the full knowledge of the risks.” The Penguin Dictionary. (2003). Allen R (ed). England: Penguin Group

By keeping in mind the aspects of ethics, property, justice and consent within our practice, we are protecting both ourselves and the client and keeping us all safe. We do need to be aware of any online information and who has access to it and possibly take steps to keep some information blocked to everyone.

It is possible that once photos or information has gone on line to lose control of that information. Another reason why Information Technology understanding is to keep up to date with the technology as it progresses, this allows us to be better informed which may then benefit our clients.

Some aspects that are not so good about technology is the ability to hide behind what is put on line as in dating sites or blogs. It has been know for reporters to search these sites when a person of interest is in the news. this is not necessarily a true reflection of a person and they have not necessarily condoned this information about themselves. This may take away some of the accountability for the user and it can also interfere with family time if too much home time is spent on computers instead of spending time playing with the children or spending quality time with partners or friends.