Training planned for healthcare professionals

The UK government this week unveiled its education and training strategy to help healthcare professionals make the best use of information technology.

'Working Together with Health Information' is designed to ensure doctors and nurses have the skills and knowledge needed to use technology to improve services for patients and help make their own jobs easier.

IT systems currently in use in the UK include a computer booking system for outpatients and the NHSNet, a nationwide network linking hospitals and GPs.

The education scheme will include regional learning networks and a national virtual classroom providing interactive news, information and access to learning resources.