24th September 2007

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Northern Ireland’s creaking NHS information technology (IT) systems need a complete overhaul if they are to be made fit for purpose in the 21st century, according to a study published by the University of Ulster.

And existing IT training for staff in the healthcare sector is fragmented and unsatisfactory, the report authors say.

The report, called ‘Knowledge, Skill and Attitude of NI DHSSPS Healthcare Professionals Towards Information and Communications Technology: Report of a Northern Ireland Survey’ was compiled by researchers at the University of Ulster and the Queen’s University of Belfast, and was funded by the Northern Ireland Health and Personal Social Services ICT Training Group.

The purpose of the study was to assess NI health and social care professionals’ perceived
knowledge of, skill in and attitudes towards information and communication technology.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Marlene Sinclair, Professor of Midwifery Research at the University of Ulster, said: “As with any modern organisation, individuals require appropriate training in order to perform their duties with competence and confidence.

“For example, a radiologist needs specific knowledge about X-ray devices, a GP needs access to multiple data sets and a midwife needs specific knowledge about cardiotocography* machines when caring for women in high risk labour.”

“The needs of each professional group are similar in their starting point but they differ significantly in practice. Therefore, flexible and innovative training programmes need to be developed that meet both generic and specific needs of the various professional groups,” she said

And Professor Sinclair called for 24/7 support systems to be set up to ensure that vital IT equipment and systems were always available when they were needed.

“Healthcare professionals are becoming more and more dependent on instant and accessible data being delivered through electronic systems.

“Highly specialised machines such as those in laboratories can break down at any time of the day and therefore staff felt it was essential to develop adequate support structures.

“Hospitals deliver services over 24 hours and therefore there is a need to have dependable support systems in place that will underpin the delivery of safe and effective patient care. “

“Healthcare workers are acutely aware of the need for effective teamworking and the intrinsic value of appropriate communication between professionals. Information from diagnostic tests, x-rays and consultations needs to be brought together in one easily accessible file. Individuals eagerly awaited the implementation of the long awaited electronic patient record.”

All Chief Executives and Heads of Human Resources Departments in Northern Ireland were advised of the research and invited to participate. The sample was drawn from the DHSSPS Workforce Database that holds records of every person working in the health and social services within Northern Ireland.

Staff currently working in the DHSSPS, either community or hospital based, and working full time were included in the sample. A proportionate, stratified, random, sample of 3687 was drawn that was representative of the current health and social services (professional) workforce at that time (approximately 22,130).

The response rate was 29%, with 1060 questionnaires being returned.

Notes for Editors

Members of the project team were:

Professor Marlene Sinclair - Chair in Midwifery Research, University of Ulster
Dr Kieran McGlade – Senior Lecturer in General Practice, Queen’s University, Belfast
Mr Paul Comac - Regional ICT ETD Programme Manager, Beeches Management Centre
Mr Billy Kelly – Post Graduate Doctoral Research Student, University of Ulster
Mr Harry Brown – Lecturer in Podiatry, University of Ulster
Dr Reem Hatamleh– Research Associate
Dr Janine Stockdale – Research Assistant

A pdf copy of the complete research report is available from the
University of Ulster Press Office on 028 90 366074


Cardiotocography: in medicine (obstetrics) cardiotocography (CTG) is a technical means of recording (-graphy) the fetal heartbeat (cardio-) and the uterine contractions (-toco-) during childbirth. CTG can be used to identify signs of fetal distress.

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young