Managing and communicating information in a new era

Abstract

Academic and community-based family physician faculty must be adept at using technology as an information management tool and a vehicle for written communication. Today's family physicians must apply communication and technology skills in the traditional areas of research and education and in the ever-changing world of managed care, which in turn influences research and education. Written communication and computer competencies are interconnected by the need to collect, manage, and share information. While technology is changing the way family physicians practice, teach, and conduct research, the written word remains one of the most important means for communicating that information to others. This article summarizes the literature on competencies needed, methods used to prepare faculty, evidence of effectiveness of the methods, and recommendations for faculty development activities specific to communication of the written word, emphasizing information technology. We highlight gaps in that literature and offer a revised set of competencies for managing and communicating information in the context of a managed care environment.