Technology Explored within an Occupational Therapy Context

Hi Everyone

Over the past decade Information Technology (IT) or Information Communication Technology (ICT) has become an integral part of our lives, including occupations. We are using IT, or ICT, devices in everyday occupations to perform productive activities, engage in leisure activities, or perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Technology changes very quickly, fare too quickly for many people to keep up with. The more mature generations tend to be unfamiliar and scared of technology, compared to the younger generations of society (Bannigan, 2009; Technology, 2009; Verdonck & Ryan, 2008). Essentially people have different attitudes towards technology. Despite this factor, however, as long as the occupational therapists provide good instructions and support to mature users of technology based interventions, technology is still a valuable tool for therapists.  It can be utilised by people of various ages, from the very young to the very old (Bannigan, 2009; Breines, 2002; Technology, 2009; Verdonck & Ryan, 2008).

Mainstream IT or ICT are increasingly being used as therapy tools, which is fantastic, if the tool works for the client! But what exactly is IT and ICT. IT refers to anything related to computer technology. It focuses on the storing, retrieving, transmitting, displaying and processing of information (Bannigan, 2009; Breines, 2002; Technology, 2009; Verdonck & Ryan, 2008; Von Baeyer, 2003 ) According to Von Baeyer (2003), IT also refers to the people who work with these technologies, such as computer engineers, creating computer hardware and software, developing computer networks and the Internet. Whereas, ICT tends to refer to the technology used specifically for producing, storing, managing, retrieving and the dissemination or communication of information, which tends to be done using computers, telecommunications and microelectronics etc (Chetley, 2006; Collins Concise Dictionary, 1989; The penguin english dictionary, 2004; Von Baeyer, 2003). Essentially, IT and ICT refer to the same thing, that is, the use of technology in managing and processing information. However, for the purpose of this blog I will use the term 'technology' to refer to IT and ICT to minimise confusion.

Although mainstream technology is being utilised by some occupational therapists as therapy tools or interventions, I believe it is important that they have a sound understanding of the mainstream technology available to help them to:

·         select the most appropriate piece of technology to be used as a therapy tool;

·         minimise any issues clients may have towards using new technology to help increase clients buy-in to using the new technology;

·         maximise client safety and reduce any complications the client may experience due to their disability;

·         adapt the technology to better suit the clients particular needs and wants, hence, maximising its effectiveness;

·         select the best form of technology that suits the clients circumstances and disability;

·         better assist clients in learning how the technology works and explain how it will assist them in achieving their desired goals and outcomes (Verdonck & Ryan 2008; Bannigan, 2009; Chetley, 2006;.Von Baeyer, 2003)

According to Verdonck and Ryan (2008), “[t]he successful use of mainstream technology lies with the occupational therapists ability to select and structure technologies to meet his or her client’s therapeutic needs ...” (p.253).

To sum up, we owe it to our clients to consider what mainstream technology is available, and how it can be used as a therapy tool. We should never forget the client’s needs and wants, and when it comes to technology, their attitudes towards it and how we as therapists can address those issues.

Technology is fairly pervasive.  It is used a variety of ways, for example, people use telephones, text messaging and emails to connect and communicate with other people.  People with severe mobility issues use electric wheelchairs, which improves their access to indoor and outdoor community settings.  People with hearing problems use hearing aids to increase their ability to hear, and can select the option on DVD movies to have text displayed so they can read what the actors are saying. Computer games are no longer just for having fun.  I have seen computer games being used in rehabilitation settings.  People can surf the internet to connect with like-minded-individuals, exchange information or watch TV, movies and so.  Technology has the potential to improve people’s social life, allow them to be more productive, and provide greater access to leisure opportunities (Bannigan, 2009; Breines, 2002; Verdonck & Ryan, 2008).

While I like playing with technology, many people find using technology daunting, even intimidating. We all utilise some form of technology in our daily lives.  For example, I use ETPOS to purchase items and AMTs to get money from banks.  I love watching movies on home theatre systems, listening to music on my MP3 player, or watching television programmes on computers.  I like to gather information and buy products off the internet.  I communicate with my brother overseas using my computer and the software package called Skype, provides video and audio communication simultaneously.  With a computer I can write and send emails to friends, and send documents to organisations and businesses electronically. I use a mobile phone to keep in touch with people, and to send short messages in text format (known as texting), and take photos.

As technology has improved, products have become more mainstream, and generally more accessible.  During my fieldwork experiences I have seen computer games used in a rehabilitation and mental health setting in a local hospital to:

·         assist patients with rehabilitation

·         create opportunities for social interaction

·         experience new leisure activities

·         provide audio books for the blind

·         provide speech making devices for patients who cannot speak.

Also, I have seen computers, including the internet, used by health professionals to perform research, to record information, and contact specialists in other countries.  As an occupational therapist, I believe having a good understanding and use of mainstream technology is important as it means we have a greater range of potential therapy tools to offer our clients.

While technology is great, it does have some issues that, as health professionals, we must consider.  Whenever we are using technology to share or store patient information we must consider:

·         privacy and confidentiality;

·         who owns the intellectual property rights of that information;

·         was informed consent from the patient and or guardian obtained;

·         how the information will be stored so it is secure;

·         who can access and the processes need to gain access to the information.

When using technology, we must always consider the ethics that could arise from capturing, sharing or transferring information.

 

References:

Bannigan, K., (2009). Management of self. In E.A.S. Duncan (Eds.), Skills for

        practise in occupational therapy (pp.295-313). Scotland, United Kingdom:
        Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.

Breines, E.B. (2002). Technology and occupation: contemporary viewpoints.
      Occupational therapy education in a technological world. The American Journal
      of Occupational Therapy, 56(4), 467‐9.

Collins Concise Dictionary (1989) . Glasgow: Bath Press.

Chetley, A. (2006). Improving Health, Connecting People:The Role of ICTs in the
      Health Sector of Developing Countries: A Framework Paper (2006). United  
      Kingdom: ifoDev.

Technology. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved, October 7, 2009, from
      http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Technology&oldid=317139275

The penguin english dictionary (2004). . London: Penguin Books.

Verdonck M.C. & Ryan, S. (2008). Mainstream technology as an occupational
      therapy tool: Technophobo or technogeek? British Journal of Occupational
      Therapy, June 71(6).

Von Baeyer, H., C.  (2003).  Information:  The new language of science.  Great
      Britain:  Weidenfeld and Nicolson.