Psychiatric residency directors' use of computers in their training programs

Over 73% (169) of psychiatric residency training directors who responded to a survey believe that computer instruction should be provided to residents. The survey instrument, a questionnaire, was mailed to residency directors of general and child psychiatry programs (N = 314) in 1991. The authors found that computers are available for resident use in 165 (79%) programs, but only 87 (38%) residency programs provide computer instruction for their trainees. Over 85% (182) of the directors have used computers, with 45% (90) of them using computers at least 3 hours per week. The directors' own use of computers is strongly associated with typing skill level and familiarity with different software packages. There is a discrepancy between the amount of computer instruction provided for residents and the amount the directors desire. The authors also found that most directors are not familiar with software packages developed specifically for psychiatrists that are now available.