Benefits of information technology training to National Health Service staff in Wales

Abstract

The use of computers in the National Health Service (UK) as a workplace is fundamental to its future. However, there is evidence of a paucity of information technology skills within the workforce and therefore, information technology skill training is essential. The National Health Service in Wales has been using the European Computer Driving Licence qualification to educate its staff in order to cover this skill gap. This paper reports on an evaluation of the perceived benefits to staff, both clinical and non-clinical, working for the National Health Service in Wales of information technology training through the European Computer Driving Licence qualification. Results show that there is an increase in confidence in terms of tasks undertaken but also towards other general life skills. Additionally, for those respondents with clinical contact, there is a perceived increase both in the time available with and the quality of care, given to patients. As the continued move towards a computer orientated healthcare system occurs, the information technology skills obtained through but not limited to training schemes such as European Computer Driving Licence will become of paramount importance, particularly as the single most important failure for technology-related projects in healthcare is a lack of readiness.