Home Basic IT Training
NHS CFH have opened their Essential IT Skills (EITS) Programme to all dispensing contractors who use NPfIT systems either now or in the future including the Electronic Prescription Service.
The programme focuses on the delivery of two new basic IT qualifications both accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). These are:
1. NHS ELITE (NHS elearning IT Essentials) which includes basic keyboard and mouse skills through to file management, web and email skills. This qualification is particularly useful for staff with limited previous experience of computers, for example of accessing the internet and using email or who lack confidence in using computers. NHS ELITE is delivered via elearning and is available on CD on request from NHS CFH. To gain the qualification, individuals need to undertake three tests at an Approved Centre, lasting for 25 minutes, 30 minutes and 35 minutes respectively.
2. NHS Health (NHS elearning for Health Information Systems) which includes basic information needed to ensure that all users understand and comply with information governance, data protection and patient confidentiality requirements. NHS Health is delivered via elearning, or by the printed NHS Health manual which is available on request from NHS CFH. To gain the qualification, individuals need to undertake a 45 minute test at an Approved Centre.
The EITS Programme is open to all community pharmacists or support staff who use NPfIT systems either now or in the future. This includes locum pharmacists who make use EPS or other NPfIT systems.
NHS Connecting for Health will centrally fund the following aspects of the training for eligible staff:
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Accessing elearning Materials
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BCS registrations
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Tests
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Qualification accreditation
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Provision of certificates
However, in order to receive the qualifications individuals need to take the tests at an Approved Centre which is accredited by the BCS. There are costs that these Approved Centre have to absorb in order to deliver EITS testing that are not centrally funded by NHS CFH, such as the provision of training facilities, equipment and Approved Centre staffing. As a result each Approved Centre may require companies requesting testing of community pharmacy staff to contribute towards these costs on a not for profit, cost-recovery basis. Charges should be agreed directly between pharmacy companies and the Approved Centre in question.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the training delivered?
NHS ELITE is delivered via elearning and is available on CD by request from NHS CFH. NHS Health can be delivered via elearning, or by the printed NHS Health manual. All of these resources can be ordered by contacting CFH directly at essential.itskills@nhs.net
Where is the training delivered?
The training for NHS ELITE and NHS Health can be completed at home or in the workplace. Employers may choose to run tutor-led group sessions and workshops or may wish that employees complete the learning materials on their own. The only requirement is that tests are taken at one of the Approved Centres. Employers/participants are responsible for arranging tests directly with the Approved Centres.
Are there exams?
To gain the qualification, individuals will need to pass:
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One test of 45 minutes for NHS Health
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Three separate tests for NHS ELITE – lasting for 25 minutes, 30 minutes and 35 minutes respectively
The tests are delivered at local Approved Centres accredited by the BCS. The tests enable you to show that an individual has attained the skills and knowledge needed when using a computer at work.
Will Essential IT Skills Training lead to recognised and accredited qualifications?
Yes, two nationally accredited qualifications can be gained as part of the programme. The BCS will award the certificates once tests have been completed successfully in each element of the training.
How much will it Cost?
CFH are centrally funding he following aspects of the training for eligible staff:
-
Accessing elearning Materials
-
BCS registrations
-
Tests
-
Qualification accreditation
-
Provision of certificates
However, in order to receive the qualifications individuals need to take the tests at an Approved Centre which is accredited by the BCS. Each Approved Centre may require companies requesting testing of community pharmacy staff to contribute towards these costs on a not for profit, cost-recovery basis. Charges should be agreed directly between pharmacy companies and the Approved Centre in question.
Contact Details and Web Resources
For further information about the Essential IT Skills Programme visit www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/eits