Organizational learning in hospitals: A realist review

To establish a middle-range theory of organizational learning in hospitals.

A realist review of the literature, conducted according to established standards for realist and meta-narrative evidence syntheses. Middle-range theory development was performed according to Smith and Liehr's recommendations.

Two comprehensive scientific databases and six discipline-focused databases spanning health care, life sciences, business, sociology, and psychology were searched from inception to 12 May 2016.

Citations meeting the inclusion criteria were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data extraction was guided by a focus on the contextual factors, mechanisms, and outcomes associated with organizational learning.

The initial search yielded 2,332 citations, 147 of which were ultimately included in the review. The included citations were generally of high quality. Reviewed evidence indicates certain aspects of organizational context can be conducive to mechanisms of organizational learning, leading to a range of positive organizational outcomes.

This review updates and expands on a previous review of the literature on organizational learning in hospitals, refines the concept of organizational learning in hospitals, and provides a middle-range theory of organizational learning in hospitals.

This updated review provides a strong evidence base for future work on the topic of organizational learning in hospitals. The refined concept of organizational learning makes it possible to develop reliable, valid research instruments that better reflect of the full scope of organizational learning. Finally, the middle-range theory guides researchers and clinical leaders as they advance the science and practice of organizational learning.