Abstract
Aims and MethodTo find out whether trainees have access to computers and computer software; to estimate the demand for more access and training; and to see whether requests for more computer access over a 2-year period led to change. A questionnaire was sent to trainees in November 1997, and again 2 years later.ResultsOnly half of the senior house officers and three-quarters of specialist registrars said they had access to computers. For those with access, this tended to be for word processing and Medline. Only one-quarter had access to the internet. There was a strong demand for wider access and for more training. There was little change in the provision of computers and software over the 2-year period.ConclusionTo take advantage of developments in technology, psychiatrists need to have access to computers. This survey suggests that trainees are not being adequately prepared for the future.
Highlights
Computers are already widely used for tasks such as administration, research and prescribing; medical records are gradually being computerised; and the internet is allowing patients and doctors access to support and special interest groups, reports and medical papers
In psychiatry it is not beyond the realms of possibility that, instead of a British National Formulary in the drawer, a computer on the desk will offer a range of treatment information
Scales and information sheets will be downloaded, medical records, e-mails relating to the patient and general practitioner letters will be available on the internet and patient data may be automatically audited
Summary
A short questionnaire was designed with questions about how muchaccess to computers trainees had, how muchthey wanted and whether they wanted training. As well as closed questions, comments were sought.The questionnaire was sent to all trainees on the St Mary's Hospital senior house officer (SHO) and SpR training schemes in November1997. Further questionnaires were sent to those who failed to respond onthe first occasion. Over the following 2 years, the issue of trainees'poor access to computers was raised repeatedly at meetings with consultants and managers.The survey was repeated in November1999. Responses were entered directly into a computer
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