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Computer access, skills and training among consultants and psychiatric trainees in Northern Ireland

Specialist Registrar in General Adult Psychiatry, Limavady CMHT, RoeValley Hospital, Limavady BT49 0AQ. E-mail: johnbrady33{at}hotmail.com

Stewart Knox

SHO in General Adult Psychiatry

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

Computers and information technology (IT) play an increasingly important role in the working lives of psychiatrists. Previous studies have shown that computer access and skills among psychiatric trainees were inadequate. This survey aimed to assess the level of access to, and skill in, different IT applications among consultants and trainees in Northern Ireland, as well as what training is offered and needed.

RESULTS

Most doctors (91%) had access to the more basic applications, such as word processing, and most felt at least adequately skilled. However, access to and knowledge of statistical software was particularly poor. A minority of doctors were offered training in IT (39%), even though most employers provided this facility.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Psychiatrists need greater access to IT, and need to make greater use of available training. This is especially relevant in light of future policy directions and the trend for evidence-based practice.