Towards IMIA 2015--the IMIA strategic plan.

OBJECTIVE To report about the IMIA Strategic Plan 'Towards IMIA 2015'. METHOD Starting in 2004 with a survey of member needs, expectations and wishes, an IMIA task force elaborated this plan. It has been updated by IMIA General Assembly members in 2005 and 2006. RESULTS A Conceptual Framework for IMIA's strategic plan has been elaborated. The IMIA Strategic Planning Framework stresses the following: (1) IMIA aims to improve biomedical research, clinical practice and public health (VISION); (2) IMIA aims to support investigation and development of advanced information systems and technologies (RESEARCH); (3) IMIA aims that its efforts are carried out in accordance with strict ethical and legal rules (BEHAVIORAL RESPONSIBILITY); (4) IMIA aims to promote education for and about biomedical informatics (EDUCATION); (5) IMIA aims to bridge relevant internal and external groups and organizations (RELATIONSHIP); (6) IMIA aims to incorporate multiple individuals, groups and organizations to constitute the IMIA Association. (REACH). CONCLUSIONS IMIA plays a major global role in the application of information science and technology in the fields of healthcare and research in medical, health and bio informatics. This framework provides IMIA with an excellent opportunity to focus its plans to ensure the highest probability of success is possible.