Occupational therapy has many important links, technology being one of them. Technology provides us with both advantages and disadvantages within our daily structure. It controls the level of ease and pace in which we do things. Due to this it has changed my outlook on life. Information Technology (IT) is a large portion of technology. According to Tech Terms, information technology refers to "anything related to computing technology, such as networking, hardware, software, the internet, or the people that work with these technologies”. I have learnt a lot about technology within my OT course, mainly focusing on its effects. Therefore, my understanding of IT is that it is a form of technology that allows us to explore, communicate and educate ourselves and others around the world from the comfort of our own computers. Oak tends to agree with stating that “today, internet is part of every sphere of life".
Retrived March 12, 2011 from www.buzzle.com/articles/positive-effects-of-internet.html
Retrieved March 12, 2011 from www.techterms.com/definition/it
There are many different forms of IT that are proving to be popular, especially when communication is involved. Personally, I am not that great at using IT to communicate with others, but I feel that it is an important to extend my knowledge in this area because at times it seems the only way to keep in touch with people. Blogs are a form of IT communication that I really enjoy. This is my first blog attempt, but I do follow other blogs and find them to be a very interesting form of communication.
Retrived March 12, 2011 from www.buzzle.com/articles/positive-effects-of-internet.html
Retrieved March 12, 2011 from www.techterms.com/definition/it
There are many different forms of IT that are proving to be popular, especially when communication is involved. Personally, I am not that great at using IT to communicate with others, but I feel that it is an important to extend my knowledge in this area because at times it seems the only way to keep in touch with people. Blogs are a form of IT communication that I really enjoy. This is my first blog attempt, but I do follow other blogs and find them to be a very interesting form of communication.
As I have previously pointed out IT is a part of many areas in life, including occupational therapy. IT provides that benefit both the patient and the client. Examples of this are; easy access to past client notes, required communication to liaise with others including doctors and the client, assessment material, condition/disease overview, assessments, etc.
There are many areas of concern for some when it comes to the ethical implications around capturing, sharing and transferring information using IT devices. Privacy and informed consent are the two main points that come to mind. The internet is very useful but it can also be very invading of people’s privacy if not used correctly. Accounts, messages and personal information can all be found and distributed all over the net for the viewing of others. Also, all information that is on the internet can be copied for the use of others. However, this is often done without the informed consent of the creator and can be used incorrectly.
Intellectual property is a term which refers to creations and innovations by individuals that can be protected under national law and by international treaties. This includes things such as copyright.
Retrieved March, 12, 2011 from http://www.iponz.govt.nz/cms/what-is-ip/what-is-intellectual-property
Social justice means that equal justice should be present in all aspects of society – not just in court. This gives everyone equal rights and opportunities.
Retrieved March, 12, 2011 from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-social-justice.htm
Informed consent is the right that all individuals have to be told everything. It is part of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers Rights - right 7.
