IT and OT

Here it is, my first post on my first blog.  This post is all about defining information technology, discussing the use of technology in society and its prevalence, IT as it relates to occupational therapy (OT), and will end with some ethical considerations for the OT practitioner.



So let's kick off with a definition of "information  technology".  Oxford Dictionaries (2012) provides the following:

noun
[mass noun]
the study or use of systems (especially computers and telecommunications) for storing, retrieving and sending information:
[as a modifier]:
     information technology consultant

Oxford University Press. (2012). Oxford dictionaries: The world's most trusted dictionaries. Retrieved
     from http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/information%2Btechnology?q=information+technology

If I were to try and define "information technology" myself, I would probably say that it is a combination of devices and systems that allow information to be utilised, stored, and shared.  With this definition, I would include no only the two most obvious elements of IT, computers and the internet, but also mobile phones, and other devices with internet connectivity like tablets, as well as digital devices with Bluetooth connectivity such as mp3 players.  To make the connection between IT and OT, I would also be referring to a broad range of adaptive technology equipment, especially those that allow persons with disabilities to communicate, such as touch screens that are programmed with thousands of words and that speak for those who cannot vocalise.  Below is an example of this kind of technology:

DynaVoxVideos. (2011, June 22). Leland with his DynaVox Maestro [Video file]. Retrieved from
     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-SVAvyAjy4&feature=plcp&context=C4007321VDvjVQa1PpcFMEa0Lj3n0o76FejFv5_cLojR2mRLFckmk%3D


Moving on to the use of technology in society, and its prevalence.  It is well-known that the internet is available globally, and that computers and other internet-capable devices are increasingly being used as a preferred means of communication.  Leland's video above shows that IT is becoming of greater use not only to able-bodied people with few health problems, but also to people with a variety of disabilities.  Possibly the most popular use of the internet  as a communications medium outside of emailing is the use of social media.  According to Facebook's (2012) Newsroom page, this social media giant had 845 million active users by the end of 2011, and at the same period, had 483 million active daily users worldwide.

http://newsroom.fb.com/content/default.aspx?NewsAreaId=22

As a means of communication, the internet is clearly extremely popular.  Other methods of communication, such as cellular phones, are also commonly and regularly used.  In the CIA's World Factbook (2012), New Zealand is noted as having 5.02 million cellular phones in circulation, which is more than one phone per person.  This certainly shows that in this country at least, communication technology must be mobile and not just fixed in order to be popular.

Central Intelligence Agency. (2012). The world factbook: Australia Oceania: New Zealand. Retrieved
     from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/nz.html

Facebook. (2012). Newsroom: Fact sheet. Retrieved from
     http://newsroom.fb.com/content/default.aspx?NewsAreaId=22


My own experiences with IT devices and systems are admittedly varied.  Growing up, we had a dial telephone on a fixed line, our television set had tabs and sliding levers to control the channel options (there were only two) and volume, our stereo was composed of an AM tuner and and LP player, and even when I was at high school, I studied Typing on an electric typewriter, not IT on a computer.  Looking around my house now, I have an Android mobile phone, a laptop with broadband and Bluetooth, an mp3 player, digital camera that connects to computers and televisions (whether digital or analogue), cordless telephones and the most common portable information storage device for students, a memory stick.  I admit freely that I only learn about new technology when I have to learn, because it has become a requirement.  I have no idea what a large number of the functions on my cellular phone are for, because I never need to use them.  I don't use most of the functions on my digital camera either.  I use my laptop daily for study purposes, including using Moodle and searching for information via the internet, as well as typing up assignments.  I also use it for the purpose of connecting with people via social media and email, and have a number of mostly musical playlists saved on my youtube account.

I do not consider myself even remotely tech-savvy, and my reluctance to learn about new technology is mainly prompted by a lack of interest, at least as far as the ways in which I personally relate to IT.  I am old-fashioned, I like to write pen and paper letters, put them in an envelope, put a stamp on them, and post them.  I like to pick up a book and turn the pages.  I like to manually highlight important points in photocopied readings for my course.  One element of  reading and writing that I do engage in from a more technologically advanced perspective however involves sharing poetry.  I am a member of an international online writing group, and although I always compose my poems on paper first, I share them electronically on the internet with the group.  I also read the poems of other members, which provide me with inspiration and enjoyment.  Under these circumstances, IT provides a very efficient and effective service.  Handwriting copies of each poem and mailing them, maintaining a list of members, and replying to the work of others, would all be very time consuming without the internet and computers.  Poetry is a means of journalling and self-expression for me, and I enjoy sharing not only my own writing, but the writing of others.  It is a meaningful occupation for me.  I think that the application of technology towards others, to whom it would be of great benefit rather than just an interest, would prompt me to learn more.  I do not feel that I need to be informed of every technological advance as it happens, as it is not a need for me, however, keeping track of improvements in technology for those that can be helped into meaningful occupations is something that I feel is more important.  This paper is showing me that I do have a need for greater understanding of IT if I want to be able to more adequately contribute to the life adaptations of a potential OT client.


So, what kinds of observations have I been able to make thus far in my student career of IT being applied by OTs?  Some of the applications I saw on my first placement in an acute setting include:

• researching conditions online
• researching assessment data online
• sharing of information via email
• use of cellular phones for communication within the department, and with other members of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT)
• electronic storage and retrieval of various forms of information, such as client handouts pertaining to medical conditions, or equipment and  its use
• checking of patient information that is not stored in the handwritten file, such as digital radiography or ultrasound files

There are a multitude of different applications for IT, but those are the most common ones I saw. 

With different applications of IT come different problems.  Technology advances at a great rate, which can lead to a number of issues.  Practitioners may find it difficult to keep up with new trends in both systems and devices, existing systems may no longer be compatible with newer variations posing problems for organisations that have strict budgets and cannot regularly afford to upgrade, clients who do not have the means or interest to keep up with technological advances may find IT intimidating or off-putting which can impair self-confidence.  There is also the problem of access to IT products and services.  They are very common, but it would be unwise to assume that everyone has access to IT devices and systems.  Another big issue for practitioners is the safety of devices and the storage of files and communication.  A cellphone is a small, extremely common device, that is easy to misplace or to have stolen.  Sending client information via text message would leave that client open to a loss of confidentiality should the phone be lost or stolen.  Much information is now stored on computer, and communications between team members regarding clients are often by email.  Although the internet provides a wonderful platform for quick communication, it is also a playground for hackers.  Hackers do not necessarily just steal information, they can also alter it, which could cause immense problems for the practitioner and their client.  Regularly updated and high level security programmes for computers are a must for those working in fields where highly personal information is stored and shared online.  Social media, which has already been mentioned previously in this post, is also a source of potential problems from an ethics perspective.  Many countries now have legislation regarding social media and employment.  Social media, even with high security settings, is still essentially a public forum, and confidentiality should be maintained in this format just as it is in the face-to-face world.  To discuss a case, particularly to the extent where the client may be identifiable, can be classed as a breach of confidentiality, regardless of whether the practitioner is on the bus going to work, or posting on their Facebook wall.  The biggest problem that I can think of with IT, beyond security and ethical considerations, is that sometimes it just DOES NOT WORK!  This is frustrating and time consuming for practitioners who are already working with a heavy caseload.

I feel that the area in which IT is most likely to be applied is through the sharing of information and experience, both between practitioners, and between practitioners and clients.  Although social media does not necessarily provide the best format for discussing cases, there are a variety of ways in which people of any profession can create private forums in which to bounce around ideas, share case studies, and submit observations.  Forums like these can aid professional development in an informal way.  Another way in which OTs have been using the internet is to post videos to sites like youtube for the benefit of clients.  Below is an example of a hand therapy exercise.

sannpet. (2010, August 31). Reaching grasping exercise by occupational therapist [Video file]. Retrieved
          from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk3dsLJOPxQ

A video like this could be useful to provide a visual reminder for a client on the technique to use with such an exercise.  They can refer back to it, rather than having to rely just on memory.  Video files can also be used specifically to educate about the OT profession.  Here is a video that discusses OT and how the discipline can help with autism.

RecoveryFromAutism. (2011, October 5). Occupational therapy for autism [Video file]. Retrieved from
          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOTw4qupuvU

A video like this one could help a parent with a child newly diagnosed as autistic to consider what options there are in the health field that may help their child and their family as well.

IT is a constantly evolving, changing and growing field, and the advances in its application in a number of areas seem endless.  Although there are some inherent problems with the use of IT, the benefits to me outweigh the issues.  I definitely feel that the educational advantages that the internet can provide are of great benefit to both practitioners and clients.  Google should not replace formal continuing education for practitioners, nor should it replace personal recommendations from a qualified professional for clients and their families, however as a secondary resource, I cannot think of any other format that can compete for variety and speed of access.  As other forms of technology continue to improve, and provide devices like the DynaVox shown in the video above, they give a great range of clients a greater ability to participate in the world around them, to express their wants and needs, and to live fuller and more engaged lives.  As a profession that values the right of clients to engage in the occupations that they both need and want to, the applications and progess of IT is something that I feel most OTs would welcome.