Defining the Learning Health Care System: An International Health System Leadership Perspective.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Healthcare Management
• Translational Science

Background:

• Academic Health Centers (AHCs) have increasingly adopted Learning Health Systems (LHSs) over the past two decades.
• Existing definitions of LHSs have lacked substantial input from AHC leaders, who are crucial for their implementation and sustainability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine how international AHC leaders define LHSs.
• To identify critical considerations AHC leaders propose for implementing and sustaining LHSs within their organizations.

Main Methods:

• A semistructured survey was administered to AHC leaders in 2022.
• A focus group, utilizing the nominal group technique, was conducted with leaders to reach consensus on an LHS definition and key considerations.
• Findings were mapped to a 7-component LHS framework (organizational, performance, ethics/security, scientific, IT, data, patient outcomes).

Main Results:

• Thirteen AHC leaders completed the survey, and 10 participated in the focus group.
• Leaders defined an LHS as a system integrating clinical and care data to drive knowledge discovery and implementation for improved patient, community, and organizational outcomes.
• Key considerations encompassed all framework components, with emphasis on communication and rapid adaptability.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a consensus-driven definition of LHSs from the perspective of AHC leaders.
• The identified considerations offer a roadmap for AHC leaders aiming to implement and sustain LHSs effectively.