Information Technology – A Definition:
"We use the term information technology or IT to refer to an entire industry. In actuality, information technology is the use of computers and software to manage information. In some companies, this is referred to as Management Information Services (or MIS) or simply as Information Services (or IS). The information technology department of a large company would be responsible for storing information, protecting information, processing the information, transmitting the information as necessary, and later retrieving information as necessary." (Scheider, 2010). To me, this definition describes IT as being responsible for managing information. This is extremely important, especially for large companies/businesses because without it, information would be unoganised, data would not be electronically documented and much confusion would be caused. IT has become essential in the world we live in today. With technology growing so rapidly, IT is extremely important in the 20th century. There are many IT devices in which Occupational Therapists (OT's) use in their treatment plans such as video games and other small electronics which help in the intervention of particular patients. I will expand on this further in my blog.Scheider, L. (2010). Information Technology. Retrieved April 11, 2011, from About.com: http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/careersintechnology/p/ITDefinition.htm
In our society today, IT is excessively used and so common that it barely crosses our mind everytime we use it. Humans of the 20th century live a busy lifestyle and it is almost impossible to go a day without using technology. Technology is now classed as a main source of information as well as communication. A large portion of the population have their own computers, cellphones and access to internet; all of these things are commonly used for communication purposes. Generation Y are the largest users of communication via IT. Alot of these sources of communication are social networks from the internet such as facebook, twitter, bebo and myspace. These allow humans to communicate effectively but because of their large widespread audience can become dangerous in situations of giving out personal information to a stranger or identity theft. Fortionately, with ever growing changes this can now be stopped and users are warned before they agree to using these kinds of social networks. A safer and more 'user friendly' source of communication is a simple e-mail. With the tap of a keyboard, a click of a mouse, a press of a button a human can communicate with another human in a totally different country within minutes, maybe seconds. This is a short funny film I found on you tube involving the use of e-mail. The film doesn't really give a lot of information about e-mail and it is not used correctly as a proper e-mail but I found it entertaining and thought you might too....
Mannsymphony. (2009, December 9). you tube. Retrieved April 12, 2011, from 15th century e-mail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey24x-5INkU&feature=related
There are many IT devices in which I have access to in my everyday life. Like a majority of teenagers in generation Y, I am lucky enough to own my own cellphone, laptop and ipod. Because I use these devices on a regular basis I feel competent and very capable using them. I have become so comfortable with using these devices that I no longer have to think about it. The IT device in which I use most frequently is definately my cell phone. I have this for both communication purposes and also for security. Having a cellphone allows me to communinate effectively with friends and family and, sadly enough, has become a large social aspect in my life. I feel competant using my own cellphone however, with ever changing technology newer cellphones have become more complex to use. Because of this, it is usually difficult to use a cellphone that the user is unfamiliar with. However, because of my age and generation, I have grown up with ever changing technology and am confident I can master new and exciting things (with practise!).
Information Technology is used effectively in Occupational Therapy (OT) practise to further knowledge and to gain information. OT's can use IT to store information about clients, gain information about clients, research useful data and much more! A great example would be in a hospital setting where an OT works within a multidisciplinary team, every member from the multidisciplinary team can gain access to the data base and are able to write their own data in. This updates automatically so if there is a sudden change within a situation or the client, this would be written on the data base ensuring the team is aware of this information when they read client notes. During my first fieldwork experience, I was introduced to many great ways that IT is used; one of which was to hire equipment from the equipment store located on site. Therapists have their own individual log in to the site in which they can gain access to the site, the site holds information on which equipment is at the store, how many there are and if they are available to hire. Once the therapist chooses which piece/s of equipment they deem necessary, they press some buttons, click the mouse and it gets sent to the equipment store soon to be delivered to the therapist within minutes!
Over the past few decades, OT's have adopted IT systems within their practise. There are many issues around OT's using IT systems as they often feel they have little access to Internet usage and many health professionals have concerns about using IT systems because of confidentiality, professionalism and self-protection issues. All health professionals hold different views on this subject but some feel obliged to use IT systems. (Baerlocher & Detsky, 2008).
IT is ever changing, Ocupational Therapists will often have the stresses of keeping up, learning and coping with change and systems. (Sunderland, 2010)
However, some IT tools can be helpful to use within practise with particular clients. For example, video games can be useful for clients with cognital and/or physical difficulties. This type of practise is commonly directed at a younger population as it is a 'fun' way of involving them in intervention. I think this is a great way to involve children in rehabilitation and is a successful way to do so!
Baerlocher, M.O. & Detsky, A.S. (2008). Online medical blogging: Don't do it!,(3), 292
Sunderland, J. (2010). Moodle. Retrieved April 13, 2011, from Otago Polytechnic: http://moodle.op.ac.nz/mod/resource/view.php?r=63672&frameset=ims&page=3
Intellectual property is broken up into two categories. The first category being industrial property. This consists of inventions (patients), trademarks, industrial designs, and geographic indications of source. Copyright, however, consists of literary and artistic works. Examples of these include novels, poems, plays, films, drawings paintings and photographs. Occupational Therapists are creative by design, and as enablers of occupational engagement they often develop innovative assisstive technology within their clinical settings yet have 'small voices' and it becomes difficult for them to commersialize their intellectual property.
Social Justice. (2003). Retrieved April 13, 2011, from Dictionary.com: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/social+justice
Informed Consent - Informed consent is a legal procedure a patient must follow before being involved in any type of surgery or intervention. (Cherry, 2011). By doing this procedure the patient or client will become aware of any risks and costs involved with the treatment, possible alternative treatments and potiential risks and benefits of the treatment. In order for a patient/client to complete one of these they must be fully competent and the consent should be given unvoluntarily. OT's and other health practitioners use informed consent to protect and individuals right to security of the person, enhance communication and the special relationship of trust between therapist and client, to avoid ligitation as a risk management measure and to assist individuals to make decisions about their care. (Hobson,2001).
Cherry, K. (2011). What is informed consent? Retrieved April 13, 2011, from About.com: http://psychology.about.com/od/iindex/g/def_informedcon.htm
There are many ethical issues that arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring information via IT devices. The main issues involved are privacy, security and control. Privacy is a large ethical issue with health professionals as many people can access IT systems and gain information they are forbidden to see. This is dangerous as most health professionals hold private confidential information about their clients.
Security is a serious issue that must be enforced when using IT systems. Terrible things happen on the internet such as identity theft etc, it is essential all information has a security check, especially confidential information.
Control is also a very serious ethical issue. The internet is a large world with an extremely widespread audience. Information posted on the internet has the potential to become uncontrollable because of unlimited access.
DEFINITIONS -
Intellectual Property -
"Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce" (What is intellectual property, 2009) Intellectual property is broken up into two categories. The first category being industrial property. This consists of inventions (patients), trademarks, industrial designs, and geographic indications of source. Copyright, however, consists of literary and artistic works. Examples of these include novels, poems, plays, films, drawings paintings and photographs. Occupational Therapists are creative by design, and as enablers of occupational engagement they often develop innovative assisstive technology within their clinical settings yet have 'small voices' and it becomes difficult for them to commersialize their intellectual property.
What is intellectual property. (2009). Retrieved April 2011, 13 , from Wipo:http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/
Social Justice -
Social Justice is referred to as the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within a society (Social Justice, 2003). This suggests that all persons of each gender, possessions, race, religion etc be treated equally without prejudice. Social justice should be recognised significantly within OT practise as it is extremely important all clients are treated the same, with respect and dignity. No aspect of any individual should change the way they are treated. This is not just suggested to health professionals, but to each and every human being.
Have It? Hobson, S. Informed Consent for Occupational Therapy Treatment: Do youOT NOW. September/October, 2001
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