Implementation of a Computer-Based Communication System for Psychiatry Residents

In order to encourage different kinds ofcommunication among residents who werelocated at a number qfgeographically separate sites, a computerized communication system was implemented. Priority was placed on both ric/messqf'features and easecfuse. Residents wereable to send private email.j oin public conferences, and access databases ofinformation. The system was initially usedtry a large number ofresidents, and usage patterns are described. The introduction to information technology that residents gainedfrom thesystem led to othercomputerprojects, and an interest in the resources ofthe Internet.