Trainee access to computers

Sir: Kotak & Butler (Psychiatric Bulletin, January 2001, 25, 31-32) report the continued poor access to, and training in the use of, computers for junior psychiatrists. I have been fortunate throughout my specialist registrar training thus far to have had full internet access at both my place of clinical work and the university allied to it. Recently, on commencing an MSc I have been struck by the exceptional quality of computing services available to students. Unrestricted internet access, an effective system of e-mail communication and a profusion of terminals seems the norm and more youthful postgraduates than myself appear to expect no less. In the preparation of essays (in criminology and criminal justice, in my case) websites are listed in course guidebooks and the more enterprising students search the web for pre-written examples of essays!

An ability to access information to at least the standard of that experienced by students must surely be mandatory for today's doctors. Unfortunately, even where access to computers is provided, the level of access can vary. Some sites forbid internet access or restrict its use to pre-determined intranet sites. Focusing attention towards academia is laudable, but must surely at least permit the checking of one's e-mail. If a myriad of students can be trusted with such a facility it seems strange that some doctors are not.