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Scottish Doctors 2

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Scottish Doctors 3

Learning Outcomes for Medical Informatics

Level 1 - What the doctor is able to do

Level 2 - Outcomes for Medical Informatics

Collecting, storing and using information has always been an integral part of the practice of medicine. It has, however, become more complex and technology-based thereby creating an increasing need for medical graduates to be competent in information handling skills ranging from simple record-keeping to accessing and using computer-based data. As well as having the technical skills to undertake such tasks it is important that graduates appreciate the role of informatics in the day-to-day care of patients and the advancement of medical science in general.

Level 3

This could include: Level 4

Keeping patient recordslink to Tomorrows doctors

Maintaining high quality of recording (whether in writing or on computer); accuracy and data quality; legibility.

Knowledge of:

the different types of records and how records are stored and retrieved (manually and electronically);

coding and classification;

confidentiality – including legislation governing access to medical records and data.

Accessing data sourceslink to Tomorrows doctors

Using library and on-line information sources, including internet and intranet systems accurately, systematically and in sufficient depth.

How routinely collected health information is used in service planning and delivery of care.

Using information in evidence-based practice.

Identifying and using professional guidelines.

IT Skills / Computing skillslink to Tomorrows doctors

Use of E-mail, word-processing, databases, statistical packages, spreadsheets, Medline, Cochrane, Embase, Cinahl, Web of Science, on-line journals, etc.

Participation in videoconferencing.

General principles of telemedicine.

Personal record keeping for professional development link to Tomorrows doctors

The role and use of log books and portfolios.

Specific Issues

A commitment to assessing informatics skills and enhancing the priority given to the development and assessment of these skills needs to be made.

More valid and reliable methods of assessing 'keeping patient records' and 'personal record keeping for personal development' need to be devised.

The validity of project work as a means of assessing students’ ability to access data sources is increasingly untenable given reported incidences of copying material.

Recommended methods of assessment include:
Clinical attachment forms
Keeping patient records - may require the development of simulated computer-based patient information systems and/or simulated wards.
Logbook
Part of exam e.g. an OSCE station that requires some Medline searching
Accessing data sources and IT skills / computing skills (embedded in course work - assignment, projects, posters)
Certificate of competence
Personal record keeping for professional development
Portfolio

Potential new methods of assessment are:
European Computer Driving License
Simulated wards