Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Information Technology (IT) is "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware. IT deals with the use of electronic computers, and computer software to convert, protect, process, transmit and securely retrieve information" (retrieved 6 May 2009 from www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_Technology).

Considering this definition, there are many different forms of IT prevalent in our society, most of which has become common place. It appears in the form of:

• Social networking sites
• Online websites
  
• Books
• Cell phones
• Telephones
• Google Earth
• Ipods
• DVD's
• Wii
• Email

The above forms of IT are the devices/systems I am most competent and comfortable using. I think this is because I am most familiar with them and I have been shown how to use them by 'IT savvy' people. Other devices/systems that I am aware of but not as knowledgeable about are:

• E-books
• Satellites
• Hard drives
• Blackberry's
• GPS
• MP3 players

IT is being used throughout many aspects of Occupational Therapy practice. Some devices/systems that I have come across during my fieldwork experiences are:

• Computers
• Assistive technology (eg magnifying glass on computer screens)
• Email communication
• Websites used as a reference source
• Mobile phones
• Communications devices (eg speech boards)

Because of the easily accessible nature of IT devices and systems there are many ethical implications that arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices/systems. Users need to be aware that people's privacy can easily be breached due to images captured and shared. Hacking and software piracy is an ethical issue that has arisen from the introduction of more modern IT devices/systems. Do people have a moral obligation to refrain from downloading/copying software, music and movies?

When using IT systems or devices the following definitions are concepts that users should be aware of:

Computer ethics is "how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct" (retrieved on 6 May 2009 from www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics).

Intellectual property is "legal property rights over creations of the mind, both artistic and commercial". "Common types of intellectual property include copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial design rights" (retrieved on 6 May 2009 from www.wikipedia.org/wiki/intellectual_property).

Social justice is "the concept of a society in which justice is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely a select group". "It is based on the concepts of human rights and equality" (retrieved on 6 May 2009 from www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice).

Informed consent is "a legal condition whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon a clear appreciation and understanding of the facts, implications and future consequences of an action" (retrieved on 6 May 2009 from www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_consent).

I think that an understanding of IT and the ethical issues it encompasses will help therapists in their practice and daily lives because it provides a guide with which to base how we gain and share information through IT systems and devices. By understanding the ethical implications we are aware of how to gain and share this information in a safe and acceptable way.