Health Information Management Professionals on Interdisciplinary Teams: Clarity in an Evolving Field

Introduction: The field of Health Information Management (HIM) is dynamic, adapting to the evolving landscape of healthcare. Its main domains converge across health, management, and informatics. Traditional career paths, such as medical coding, will always be necessary within the profession; however, HIM professionals are increasingly sought for emerging/expanding roles on interdisciplinary teams. Aim: In this paper we explore the types of student practicums present in a Canadian HIM program to inform how colleges can prepare students. Methods: During their practicum, students reflected on their experience mid-way and at the end of their placement. Reflections were prompted through questions such as: 1. What skills have you gained through this experience? 2. What skills do you hope to gain in your future career? and, 3. What is your proudest accomplishment? Anonymized reflections were qualitatively analyzed by four researchers. Results: Overall, 12 students participated in the practicum, of which 10 (83%) were in non-coding roles. The non-coding roles included project managers, data analysts, research analysts, and other project-based roles in quality improvement, resource development, and privacy and security. The skillsets most often gained/enhanced were related to communication, time management, professionalism, teamwork, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge translation. Students also acted as stewards of the profession, informing non-HIM team members of what they can contribute to interdisciplinary teams. Discussion and Conclusion: As educators, we must adapt to the evolving HIM role and healthcare system. Practicum placement types follow the demand of our partner organizations (e.g., regional hospitals and health authorities), which offers HIM programs insight into how the profession is evolving and informs curriculum.