The James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence is dedicated to fostering and maintaining sustainable collaborative Learning Networks. These networks are crucial for achieving measurable improvements in healthcare outcomes. Inspired by the Institute of Medicine’s vision of a Learning Health System, these learning networks unite patients, families, clinicians, and scientists. Together, they leverage data to drive advancements in clinical care, continuous improvement, and groundbreaking research. The American Board of Pediatrics recognizes learning networks as a highly effective strategy for achieving significant population health improvements at scale.
The Power of Learning Health Networks in Action
Healthier Together Learning Health Networks are multi-site, practice-based clinical networks that harness data for both research and practical improvements in healthcare delivery. They are particularly vital in pediatrics, where the inherent challenge of limited patient numbers at individual sites necessitates collaborative, large-scale approaches. These networks are built upon strong collaborations between engaged patients and families, multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals, researchers, and community stakeholders. Learning networks extend across a diverse range of conditions, healthcare settings, and geographical locations, facilitating the widespread dissemination of evidence-based practices and innovative solutions.
Learn more about active Learning Health Networks
Key Features of High-Performing Learning Health Networks
Effective learning networks are characterized by several distinguished features that contribute to their success:
- Shared Vision for Equitable Outcomes: A relentless, unified focus on achieving unprecedented and, importantly, equitable health outcomes for all populations served.
- Co-production and Active Participation: An actor-oriented approach that recognizes and values the expertise that every participant – from patients to researchers – brings to the table.
- Transparent Data Sharing for Continuous Improvement: Open and transparent data sharing mechanisms that fuel ongoing learning, robust research, impactful innovation, strategic planning, and effective priority setting.
- Widespread Capacity for Systemic Change: The embedded ability to implement system-wide changes through the consistent application of continuous improvement methodologies and tools.
- Comprehensive Resource and Knowledge Hub: A rich repository of resources, information, practical knowledge, and readily accessible know-how, ensuring participants can efficiently find “what I need, when I need it.”
- Culture of Trust, Shared Learning, and Respect: A deeply ingrained culture built on trust, active contribution, collaborative learning, intellectual curiosity, and mutual respect among all stakeholders.
- Aligned Governance and Incentives: Governance structures, policies, and incentive frameworks that are strategically aligned with the intrinsic motivation of all participants to achieve and surpass improvement goals.
Learning Healthcare System Modules for Network Development
The James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence, in collaboration with the Healthier Together learning health network community, has developed a series of six learning healthcare system modules. These modules serve as a practical guide for organizations interested in establishing and growing their own learning networks. These resources provide a structured pathway, guiding users through the stages of network design and development, effective network implementation, iterative improvement cycles, and ultimately, towards long-term network sustainability.
Contact Us
For further information or to explore how to get involved, please reach out to us at: [email protected]
