BCS launches new ECDL health unit
The British Computer Society (BCS) used the HC2007 exhibition in
March to launch its new European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Health
Unit.
The first computer-skills syllabus in the world geared specifically
for healthcare system users, the unit was made available to NHS staff
last month (April).
Designed for all staff working with healthcare systems (including
clinical staff and administrative workers) the unit has been trialled by
100 NHS staff across five NHS trusts and covers the broad issues,
challenges and benefits of using electronic patient information systems.
Candidates do not need advanced computer knowledge to take the
qualification; they simply need to be able to use a computer keyboard
and mouse.
“The new unit has been developed in direct response to demands for a
syllabus which is specific to the health sector and complementing the
existing topic areas covered by the ECDL”, says Carol Hulm, BCS Special
Projects Manager. “It provides candidates with an understanding of the
key principles and policies relating to health-care information systems
and the practical skills needed by users. As well as enabling users to
read, retrieve, update and store patient records accurately, the unit
also provides candidates with a thorough understanding of the key issues
regarding patient confidentiality and data security.”
ECDL health unit pilot candidates took an average of 10 hours to
complete the learning section, with 90% of candidates passing the
course-end test.
The BCS is the chartered industry body for IT professionals and the
Chartered Engineering Institution for Information Technology. It is
based in Swindon, Wiltshire.
Source: bjhc&im May 2007
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