Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Lim, R. F. Articles by Hales, D. J. Search for Related Content Articles by Lim, R. F. Articles by Hales, D. J.

Lifelong Learning: Skills and Online Resources

Received February 1, 2006; revised May 9, 2006; accepted May 23, 2006. Dr. Lim is affiliated with the University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California. Dr. Hsiung is Associate Professor, Clinical Psychiatry, University of Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Hales is affiliated with the American Psychiatric Association, Arlington, Virginia. Address correspondence to Dr. Lim, 2315 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95817; rflim{at}ucdavis.edu (e-mail).

OBJECTIVE: Advances in information technology enable the practicing psychiatrist’s quest to keep up-to-date with new discoveries in psychiatry, as well as to meet recertification requirements. However, physicians’ computer skills do not always keep up with technology, nor do they take advantage of online search and continuing education services. This article describes the rationale for using electronic databases and training, as well as basic computer skills, computer equipment, and important online resources for psychiatrists to meet their continuing education and recertification needs quickly, easily, and conveniently. METHOD: A literature review was performed using PUBMED and Google to find articles related to recertification, physician’s technology adoption and computer skills, evidence-based medicine, and basic approaches to lifelong learning using computers and the Internet, and resources for lifelong learning. RESULTS: Psychiatrists are required to master a discrete set of information for board certification, and to maintain that knowledge for recertification. Surveys have shown that although most physicians use computers, the majority use them for personal or business purposes, and not for accessing Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs (1). The Council on Graduate Medical Education requires the acquisition of medical informatics skills for the Undergraduate Medical Education for the 21st Century (UME-21) curriculum project (2). There is a growing body of literature outlining basic computer skills and competencies for physicians to access online textbooks, databases, journals, and CME programs. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatrists can benefit from learning how to use computers and the Internet to keep current with the advances in the field. Skills now being taught in medical school and residency are equally important for practicing psychiatrists to learn and master.

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2006 Academic Psychiatry. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us