Innovative informatics education: aligning theory and practice through strategic partnership

The University of Victoria School of Health Information Science (HINF) and The Toronto Hospital (TTH) have formed a strategic partnership to align current information management theory with practical experience. The fourth year undergraduate course in Information Management and Technology was redesigned to include a joint research project with TTH. Staff from TTH were paired with groups of 2-3 students to explore current information management issues. Technology such as electronic mail and conference calls enabled timely communication. Final results were presented via video conference at the end of the term and jointly graded by the professor and hospital staff. Over the three years, a variety of projects have been undertaken and the approach has been refined. Each year offered new insight to both students and staff. Findings include several key success factors: senior level support, early planning, timely communication, access to technology, and opportunity for staff and student feedback. This partnership offers strategic advantages to both organizations in innovation, mutual learning, recruiting, and partnership. Next steps include expansion of the project to a regional model and seminars on current information management topics for TTH staff.