This also saves members of staff and fellows time as they can remain at their hospital site while participating in committee meetings. We envisage students having the capability to order transcripts, letters of good standing, and update their personal details on our student record system. In addition, they will do online examinations, and in all probability, will complete part of their courses online - all but the latter are currently available. Perhaps the most impressive example of advanced use of IT at the RCSI is the BeST programme - electronic Basic Surgical Training. This Internet based programme offers trainee surgeons a complete programme in basic surgery.
Trainees can take the programme in their own time, at their own pace and in their own place.
In addition, we plan a modification of the laptop initiative, by including a PDA for use by clinical students. We have sourced a programme, optimised for PDAs, which will assist students in learning how to reach a diagnosis, as well as giving detailed background information on the patient's illness. This programme can be updated through a Web connection from their laptops. The development of our IT resources continues to be a major priority for the college. The rapid changes in the architecture, delivery systems, and the expectations of students and trainees, highlight the need for the continuing expansion of facilities.