This section will give an overview of what information technology is and how it is used in everyday society in relation to occupational therapy. It will also highlight the issues of ethics in relation to sharing of information, privacy and confidentiality.
Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology
Information technology deals with the storage, processing and dissemination of information and mostly refers to the use of computers (Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, 2002).
Shorter oxford English dictionary: On historical principles. (2002). Auckland: Oxford Press
Information Technology is the use of computers, telecommunications, and other instruments in electronic processing, storing, retrieving, and sending information (Allen, 2004).
Allen, R. (consultant editor). (2004). The penguin English dictionary. London: Penguin Books
Interpret this definition in your own words. What might this definition cover?
I think it simply means it is another form of communication. One that has evolved over the past twenty or so years which is replacing some of the older forms of communication received through books, newspapers, letters, mail, photos and even conversations. But, it still has the same properties of older forms of communication that is: to send, receive, store and process information. In other words, information technology can be anything from the digital era that has these properties.
Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become?
If I think about myself and what I do every day, my use of IT has become an everyday occurrence. Technology is used everywhere around me, to the point that you no longer have to leave your house to organise your week and pay bills. Everything can be done with the click of a button or the flick of an email. Peter Kollock (1999), mentions how technology and the internet have given instant access to global up to date information. This is part of the reason why it has become a common part of everyday society as it is time saving, informative and instant.
Kollock, Peter. (1999). The economies of online cooperation: gifts and public goods in cyberspace. in Communities in Cyberspace. Marc Smith and Peter Kollock (ed). London: Routledge.
This youtube clip demonstrates how IT has evolved:
How has the Internet Changed our Lives? You've got mail. Retrieved on 10 March, 2012 from:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxJ2x8Di-xI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxJ2x8Di-xI
Furthermore, this is a link to an article in The Age News, talking about the way technology is changing the way we communicate:
The Age News (2006). Technology is changing the way we communicate. Retrieved from 11 Spetember, 2006: http://www.theage.com.au/news/education-news/technology-is-changing-the-way-we-communicate/2006/09/09/1157222335974.html
What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using?
I am confident in using most forms of technology and easily pick up on how to use new gadgets. On a daily basis I use the internet to pay bills, do shopping, send e-mails, communicate with family and friends using facebook, viber, skype, heytell just to name a few. I use my computer to upload music, photos, movies and other files. I would say I spend about two hours per day using information technology and without it, I think I would have far less time to do other meaningful activities as these tasks are traditionally more time consuming.
Limitations to using the technology would include troubleshooting difficulties with the internet, software or hardware failure, an inability to comprehend technical information or learning about new products and technology.
Engaging in purposeful activities using the internet would include my use of skype and viber to communicate with my family in Australia. This is important to me, and it makes me feel more connected when I can use this resource. I am able to physically see my family, their expressions and emotions and be a part of what is going on. Even though they are in another country, this makes me feel much closer.
Here are two useful links on skype and viber:
How have you seen IT being used in Occupational Therapy practice?
· Using games with handheld consoles to engage children and improve fine motor function
· Telecommunication pads for clients who are non-verbal
· Email to communicate with fellow team members
· Internet to research or find information about clinical diagnosis
· Internet to find service providers
· Digital planners/organisers
· Computerised memory reminders
What issues exist around OTs adoption of IT systems and tools?
There is a lack of research in this field as technology is rapidly changing at a pace that is hard to keep up with. Furthermore, there is a risk associated with the use of online information including ethical issues, misuse of the internet, access to offensive material, OT’s lacking the skills and knowledge to deal with issues that arise and the client being at risk of addiction or aggression with overuse (Verdonck & Ryan, 2008).
Verdonck, M. & Ryan, S (2008). Mainstream technology as an occupational therapy tool: technophobe or technogeek. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(6).
What are some of the ways you can envisage IT use becoming a potential tool of practice?
OT’s can use IT to create new assessment tools that require less time and effort to calculate and evaluate results. This will allow more time for the actual interventions rather than spending huge amounts of time on paperwork.
Clients could possibly simulate virtual experiences. For example, the use of a virtual home visit and assessment to observe a patient’s decision making processes prior to being discharged home. The current use of such websites as Second Life could be adapted to suit this scenario. See the video below:
Second Life - The Online 3D Virtual World. Retrieved on March 10, 2012 from:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3gHCupXSMs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3gHCupXSMs
OT’s are already using a range of information technology to benefit clients and this clip shows the use of adaptive technology for children with disabilities. Tap.it is used to encourage engagement, increase bilaterally use of upper limbs and encourage an increase use in brain functions. See the video below:
TAP•it and Occupational Therapy Skills. Retrieved on March 10, 2012 from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3ZIF6Lyb94
In your own words briefly critique why (or why not) a great understanding and use of IT will help us in our practice and daily lives if our goal is to enable occupation.
It is important for Occupational Therapists to have an understanding of technology as it is a purposeful, meaningful activity. Furthermore, according to Kielhofner (2007), Occupational Therapists specialise in enabling people to engage and participate in activities of meaning and purpose and this is why we must gain knowledge and skills to enable improvement in interventions and outcomes. This is especially true now as more and more people start using the internet and technology is now a part of everyday life.
Kielhofner, G. (1997). Conceptual Foundations of Occupational Therapy. (2nd ed.). Philadelphia.
This link is to further define the role of occupational therapy:
http://www.wfot.org/AboutUs/AboutOccupationalTherapy/WhatisOccupationalTherapy.aspx
http://www.wfot.org/AboutUs/AboutOccupationalTherapy/WhatisOccupationalTherapy.aspx
World Federation of Occupational Therapy. Retrieved on 10 March, 2012.
What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices? (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet)
As a health professional, we have to be responsible in upholding the occupational therapy Code of Ethics. This includes maintaining a client’s confidentiality and this becomes increasingly difficult on the world wide web that is open to hacking and can be open to interpretation, for example a therapist may not realize they are sharing information online. This is why it is imperative for OT’s to have a good understanding of the software they are using and the websites they are visiting. We must also have adequate systems in place to avoid any personal information getting into the wrong hands.
Code of Ethics for Occupational Therapists. Occupational Therapy Board of NZ. Retrieved on March 10, 2012 from: http://www.otboard.org.nz/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=5W5yvumrHRE%3D&tabid=164
This news video from channel one shows the privacy issues that have been raised from the use of social networking:
http://tvnz.co.nz/technology-news/social-networking-privacy-concerns-3506238/video
TVNZ. Social networking privacy concerns. Retrieved on March 10, 2012.
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