We read with great interest the article ‘Psychiatrists and the information age’ by Dr Holloway (Psychiatric Bulletin, July 2005, 29, 241-243). The article highlights informatics and the need for a good information technology (IT) infrastructure within the National Health Service (NHS).

Healthcare organisations may well have a poor track record in IT training, but the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL; http://www.ecdl.nhs.uk) was not mentioned. This is now the standard for basic IT skills within the NHS. The course incorporates seven modules covering basic concepts, communication and the workings of Microsoft Office. Total study time is estimated to be from 30 to 70 h. Learning can be either self-directed or under supervision. Exams are taken under supervision in a local accredited test centre. Despite training and funding being made available to nearly all NHS staff, it is often only the administration arms of the service that take up the course.

Having undertaken ECDL training in Leeds we both feel much better equipped to embrace the modern age of informatics. It is a misconception that the ECDL is beyond psychiatrists from an older generation, since it is a perfectly accessible course designed for those with minimal IT skills. For those who quickly master the course, advanced training modules are also available. For the purposes of informatics and clinical governance we encourage all psychiatrists to incorporate the ECDL into their personal development plan.