Tutorial One Participation in Occupation 1

 This is the first time I have thought about the possibility of writing a blog as I am not particularly comfortable with information technology.  I would classify myself as someone in between a Technogeek and a Technophobe. 

A definition of information technology as stated in Tech terms is:  "Information Technology," and is pronounced "I.T." It refers to anything related to computing technology, such as networking, hardware, software, the Internet, or the people that work with these technologies. 

 My interpretation of this statement is that information technology is a fast changing, many faceted form of communication that provides a huge range of information to the user at the keystroke of a computer, and to fully understand it is an art and science in itself.

References 
 TechTerms.com. (2012). IT (Information Technology). Retrieved February 24, 2012,

 from http://www.techterms.com/definition/it

This form of technology has become very prevalent in our society, if for example we look at the Hamilton and Dunedin based Occupational Therapy Students, it was a requirement for all students to have access to a computer and broadband in order to begin their studies.  The course is one of blended learning both with class time face to face lectures and self directed online (Moodle) time required.

An example of this style of online learning for students is shown in this YouTube clip.

UCL. E learning blog.  (2012) Departmental L&T Strategies and e-learning. Retreived February 24, 2012 from http://blogs.ucl.ac.uk/ltss/

  I am comfortable using a computer in the IT format as long as nothing goes wrong with it, my previous employment in a  laboratory setting was very data entry based and as such followed a set format.  My area of discomfort arises as I have never really used the computer as a toy and played games etc, avoiding anything too difficult or out of my comfort zone.This course will expand my use of IT as I will have to overcome my aversion to trying new and challenging technology.   My examples of engaging in IT as purposeful occupation are that I have learnt to use facebook in a rather limited fashion to keep up with friends and family, particularly overseas.  I can Skype my parents, who are in their 80’s and quite computer savvy, I do enjoy the benefits of internet banking and being able to google information on demand about any given subject, even what to have for dinner!.

In my fieldwork one placement, the O.T. department used computers to research patient files that were assessable online and it was helpful to be able to see if the community OT had provided some equipment for the home which would aid in providing information on safe discharge home.  There was also the facility provided to book online any equipment that the OT had decided was necessary for the client to receive and once ordered the company would deliver it to the address provided the next afternoon, generally before the client was discharged.

 The issues that exist around O.T.’s use of IT systems and tools is that it is always very important to be aware that a back up of computer information is required in case the system gets corrupted by a hacker or virus which can crash a whole system.  Another issue is that of access of patient information and the ethics involved in patient confidentiality of information, all DHBs require staff to sign a disclaimer that unnecessary accessing of patient files is not ethical or allowable and is on a need to know basis only.

 The way in which I can envisage IT being used as a tool in practise was through my first fieldwork placement.  A client had been referred to the community OT assistant that I was spending the day with.  He had had a stroke, could no longer communicate verbally and was having hand therapy and splinting for his left hand which was atrophying.  The assistant gave him a gentle hand massage using lotion, then spent some time with the client (whose cognitive skills were still good) getting him to type out his name and address on the computer using his good hand.  This was possible as he had used a computer in his work before the stroke.  It was great to see that if he continued to practise he might be able to communicate with his wife and family again through this technology. 
This OT homepage relates to the changes in OT4OT.

Online technology for Occupational therapy. (2010) Retrieved February 24, 2012, from        
http://wfotcongress2010.pbworks.com/w/page/4432024/Home%20Page

 I believe that a great understanding and use of IT will benefit the OT in practice and daily life to enable occupation as it is not a fad that will disappear but a tool that will keep being refined and improved.  It can be of great benefit for certain groups in the population enriching their lives and allowing them to participate in society more fully.  This can take the form of talking books for the blind, communication via computers for house bound individuals to perform online shopping and voice recognition software for a dyslexic learner to perform their learning.

 When considering the ethical implications from the sharing and transferring of information via I.T. devices it is clear that the system has the potential to be used for both positive and negative situations.  If we take the example of a forum for bulimic and anorexics as discussed in class, this group of individuals can aid recovery by employing support strategies or hinder recovery by passing on the latest way to avoid detection in their self destructive attitudes.  Mobile phones and Facebook also can be used as sites for bullying, although if reported Facebook will ban the antagonist from the site.