The Care and Learn Model: a Practice and Research Model for Improving Healthcare Quality and Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Healthcare Systems Modeling
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Existing healthcare models focus on system structure, not function.
• Need for a model to analyze research portfolios and guide agenda setting.
• The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) sought a new analytical framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a functional model for analyzing AHRQ's research portfolio.
• To identify research gaps and prioritize the research agenda.
• To evaluate the performance of healthcare research and improvement initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel model based on two core functions: caring and learning.
• Emphasized the central role of people (patients, communities, professionals) and evidence.
• Focused on systems organized to address people's problems using evidence.

Main Results:

• The Care and Learn Model integrates caring and learning functions.
• The model highlights the use of evidence to adapt and improve healthcare responses.
• It provides a framework for understanding and addressing complex health problems.

Conclusions:

• The Care and Learn Model offers a new approach to healthcare research and improvement.
• It can guide investment, innovation, and investigation in clinical, delivery, and population health.
• AHRQ and the health services research community can utilize this model for strategic planning.