Applied medical informatics and computing skills of students, residents, and faculty

Little is known regarding the applied medical informatics and computing skills of family practice residents and faculty, yet such information is critical when planning a medical informatics curriculum. We conducted a survey at our institution to collect this information.

An applied medical informatics and computing skills survey was administered to 93 first-year medical students, 42 family practice residents, and 14 family medicine faculty. Responses were compared between groups before and after stratification by age and gender.

A total of 92% of students, 100% of residents, and 79% of faculty responded. Faculty had the highest rate of computer ownership (91%), followed by students (86%) and family practice residents (79%). Students and interns had the highest overall confidence using computers, followed by faculty and then senior residents. Faculty, students, and junior residents were significantly more confident than senior residents in their ability to perform several specific tasks, such as conducting a MEDLINE search. Residents perceived lack of money and time as barriers to improving their skills.

Current senior residents may require remedial training to graduate with the computer skills specified in curricular guidelines. While upcoming medical students and interns will demand more advanced training, faculty may not have the skills to provide it.