Distance learning project--information skills training: supporting flexible trainees in psychiatry

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Information Science

Background:

• Specialist registrars in psychiatry identified a need for enhanced IT skills.
• Flexible trainees reported concerns regarding information technology proficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the specific information and IT skills training needs of flexible psychiatry trainees.
• To provide tailored support and training to address identified skill deficits.

Main Methods:

• A one-year project involving 12 flexible psychiatry trainees.
• Individualized information skills training delivered through home visits.
• Workshops on word processing and presentation software.
• Provision of laptop computers, modems, and printers for participants.

Main Results:

• Training covered essential search skills for databases like MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and PubMed.
• Participants received instruction on utilizing internet information resources effectively.
• Needs for word processing and presentation software were addressed through workshops.

Conclusions:

• The project successfully identified and addressed key IT and information skills gaps.
• The insights gained will inform future training programs for a larger cohort of flexible trainees.
• Individualized and resource-supported training is effective for improving digital literacy in medical education.