Why psychiatrists need data and digital literacy skills
Psychiatry is changing. Digital technology and data are increasingly shaping how we assess, treat and support people with mental illness.
For psychiatrists, digital and data literacy is no longer an optional extra — it is a core clinical skill.
Digital skills
Digital technology is becoming part of everyday psychiatric practice, from electronic health records and remote consultations to artificial intelligence and new digital tools.
Psychiatrists need the skills and confidence to:
- Use digital systems effectively and safely.
- Understand and critically evaluate emerging technologies, including AI.
- Recognise the clinical, ethical, professional and information governance implications of digital tools.
- Use technology to improve the quality, accessibility and efficiency of mental healthcare.
Data skills
High-quality data is essential to improving mental health at both an individual and population level.
Good data helps us understand who is accessing services, who is not, where inequalities exist and where unmet need remains. It enables psychiatrists and services to identify disparities, measure outcomes and design care that better reflects the needs of different communities.
Our Digital Literacy Framework sets out digital data literacy standards for all psychiatrists, and our training events bring it to life