The iPod is increasingly being used to educate as well as entertain and now it has even come to the hospital ward.

Far from being seen as a distraction, hospitals in the UK and Europe believe the portable music player could help their staff to learn about the basics of the job.

Using a technology pioneered in Australia, Voicemap, hospitals in the Scottish city of Glasgow are already using iPod -based audio guides to instruct their staff in areas such as dealing with patient violence and maintaining standards of hygiene.

Although it will not completely replace one-on-one training and will be followed by a computer-based test, NHS Greater Glasgow believes the uniform nature of the training could help cut the chance of mistakes being made.

The trust’s Alastair Kirk said: “Using technology - the iPod - means we can make sure all new staff are trained to exactly the same standard, and it’s inevitable that that’s a big improvement on a system that relies on other staff and can therefore be vulnerable to human error.”

The iPod is currently being used in the operating theatre and on maternity wards in two Glasgow hospitals, but could soon be taken up by other health facilities around the country.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd