Computer training course for UK healthcare staff
3 April 2007.
Harrogate, UK. The British Computer Society launched its new European
Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Health Unit at Healthcare Computing 2007 in
Harrogate in March. It is the first computer skills syllabus in the world
specifically for users of healthcare systems. The new ECDL Health Unit is
the result of seven years collaborative work between the BCS and NHS
Connecting for Health (NHS CfH) to develop a computer skills syllabus
specifically for users of healthcare information systems, providing them
with the confidence and competence to use IT effectively when caring for
patients.
The unit, which has been trialled by 100 NHS staff across five NHS
Trusts, covers the broad issues, challenges and benefits of using electronic
patient information systems. It has been designed for all staff working with
healthcare systems including clinical staff and administrative workers.
Candidates do not need advanced computer knowledge to take the
qualification, they simply need to be able to use a computer keyboard and
mouse.
Carol Hulm, BCS Special Projects Manager said: “The new unit has been
developed in direct response to demands for a syllabus which is specific to
the health sector and complementing the existing topic areas covered by the
ECDL. It provides candidates with an understanding of the key principles and
policies relating to Healthcare Information Systems and the practical skills
needed by users. As well as enabling users to read, retrieve, update and
store patient records accurately, the unit also provides candidates with a
thorough understanding of the key issues regarding patient confidentiality
and data security.”
A pilot of the ECDL health unit proved to be very successful, with
candidates taking an average of ten hours to complete the learning section
and 90% of candidates passing the course-end test. To top
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