As a result, the UHN engaged Learning Designs Online to lead a training impact analysis and survey to determine the training strategies which would yield the greatest potential for maximizing the computer literacy and proficiency of the 10,000 medical personnel located in the three UHN hospitals.

The broad-based investigation examined the baseline computer skill levels of the medical professionals and recommended appropriate training programs and effective strategies for training delivery. The study involved 6.000 participants from all occupational groups—Physicians, Nurses, Allied Health, Laboratory, Medical Imaging, Business Support and Administrative Support.

The outcomes of the study provided the UHN planning executives with a unique picture of computer proficiencies and training preferences. The study revealed numerous unanticipated findings that, taken together, suggested learning strategies that would optimize training resources. Equally important, these strategies hold the promise of maximizing the learning and retention of new computer skills for the busy UHN health professionals.