At The Ohio State University Hospitals Education and Training Department, a data-based strategic planning and coordinating model is being developed to ensure that the educational mission is responsive to the trends and forces affecting the hospital unit and individual productivity. This model is being implemented in order to attempt to meet the education and training needs of the hospital staff on a future-oriented basis, rather than as reaction to crises. Key to the implementation of such a model is the development of closer ties between the training department staff and the staff of the various units. To that goal, educational liaisons from the training staff are establishing relationships with the units in order to become familiar with the everyday operating procedures and problems of the unit, and to be able to spot training needs and to develop programs to meet those needs from an "inside" base, rather than imposing programs from outside. The educational liaisons establish need for training, devise training strategies to meet those needs among the individual units, and receive feedback about the programs implemented. A constant effort is made to keep the education and training department apprised of new needs or needs that are being served inappropriately, so that new strategies can be implemented. In addition, an effort is being made to inform line managers of their needs and how the training function is serving them and increasing the productivity of their units. (KC)