How to formulate high-quality lessons learned: a rapid review.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Knowledge Management
• Organizational Learning

Background:

• Lessons learned are crucial for improving future projects but often lack rigor.
• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for robust methods to capture and transfer knowledge from healthcare.
• Existing literature rarely details the systematic development of lessons learned.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematize the process of producing high-quality lessons learned (QLLs).
• To identify best practices for developing rigorous and transferable lessons from research projects, particularly in healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a rapid review of 1,881 documents to identify methods for developing QLLs.
• The review adapted systematic review steps for a pragmatic, accelerated format.
• Analyzed retained documents to extract principles for QLL development.

Main Results:

• Identified three core principles for developing QLLs: creating a supportive climate, selecting appropriate leaders/facilitators, and employing a scientific approach.
• Developed an 11-step guide for QLL development, divided into preparatory and formulation phases.
• The guide aims to enhance the rigor, clarity, and transferability of lessons learned.

Conclusions:

• A structured, systematic process is essential for generating high-quality lessons learned.
• The developed guide provides a practical framework for teams to improve their lesson formulation.
• Implementing these principles can enhance organizational learning and future project success.