Psychiatric residency directors' use of computers in their training programs

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychiatry
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Computers are increasingly vital in medical practice, yet their integration into psychiatric residency training remains inconsistent.
• A 1991 survey explored the availability and use of computers in psychiatric residency programs and directors' attitudes toward computer instruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current state of computer availability and instruction in psychiatric residency programs.
• To understand psychiatric residency directors' perceptions regarding computer training for residents.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to computer instruction in psychiatric education.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was mailed to 314 general and child psychiatry residency program directors in 1991.
• Data were collected on computer availability, resident computer instruction, directors' computer usage, and attitudes toward computer training.

Main Results:

• Over 73% of responding directors believed computer instruction should be provided to residents.
• Computers were available in 79% of programs, but only 38% offered computer instruction.
• Directors' computer use correlated with typing skills and software familiarity; many were unaware of psychiatrist-specific software.

Conclusions:

• A notable discrepancy exists between the perceived need for computer instruction and its actual provision in psychiatric residency programs.
• Further education and awareness regarding available software are needed to enhance computer integration in psychiatric training.
• Addressing this gap is crucial for equipping future psychiatrists with essential digital competencies.