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Do trainees have adequate access to computers and computer software ?

South Kensington and Chelsea Mental Health Unit, 1 Nightingale Place, London SW10 9NG

Rob Butler, Lecturer

Academic Department of Old Age Psychiatry, St Charles' Hospital, London W10 6DZ

Abstract

AIMS AND METHOD

To 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.

RESULTS

Only 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.

CONCLUSION

To 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.

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