Enabling the safe and effective implementation of health informatics systems--validating rolling out the ECDL/ICDL health supplement.

Sound understanding by end-users (health professionals and support staff) of key e-health principles and challenges is essential for the safe, effective, and sustainable use of health informatics systems. This is separate from, and ideally a precursor to, training on a specific system. However, hitherto this aspect has been little understood or addressed. Over the last few years, the concept of a customised Health Supplement to the well-established European/International Computer Driving Licence has progressed from idea to reality, through initial support for consultation by the then UK NHS Information Authority, followed by establishment of an international Expert Group by the global ECDL/ICDL Foundation. As a result, the ECDL/ICDL Foundation has developed a formal syllabus. This paper reports successful piloting, and progress in the development of local training and testing materials and national implementation plans, in three countries on two continents.