A Scoping Review on Learning Health Networks Available in Pediatric Surgical Specialties

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Systems Science
• Pediatric Surgery
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Learning Health Networks (LHNs) are collaborations designed to improve clinical care by integrating research, quality improvement, and stakeholder engagement.
• Pediatric surgical specialties can significantly benefit from LHNs to enhance surgical outcomes and patient care through established learning health system (LHS) approaches.
• Health system leaders need to recognize the importance of LHNs in advancing pediatric surgical care and improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map and characterize existing Learning Health Networks (LHNs) within pediatric surgical specialties.
• To provide an overview of the current landscape of LHNs in pediatric surgery.
• To identify trends in the formation and focus of LHNs in this field.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review was conducted using systematic literature searches across major databases (Medline, EMBASE, Scopus) up to May 2023.
• Grey literature was identified through Google Scholar, ProQuest, and expert inquiries to ensure a thorough review.
• The review adhered to the PRISMA-scoping review extension guidelines for reporting.

Main Results:

• Nineteen Learning Health Networks (LHNs) in pediatric surgical specialties were identified from 56 publications.
• The majority of identified LHNs (18 out of 19) are located in North America, with networks focused on pediatric general surgery and transplantation being most common.
• Most LHNs (16 out of 19) were established after 2001, yet only eight have reported comparative improvements in patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric surgical specialties have increasingly adopted Learning Health System (LHS) principles over the last decade.
• Inter-institutional collaborations, facilitated by LHNs, leverage technology for big data analysis, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice adoption.
• Active patient and stakeholder involvement is a key component in the successful implementation of LHNs in pediatric surgery.