Learning healthcare systems and rehabilitation: a scoping review protocol

Healthcare literature has proposed that "learning organisations" (LO) or "learning healthcare systems" (LHS) that continuously generate and apply evidence, innovation, quality, and value can provide better care. This is of value to non-acute healthcare settings such as rehabilitation, which are complex, multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary in nature. Little is known about how these frameworks have been applied to rehabilitation settings.

The aim of this scoping review is to systematically summarise the literature conceptualising and operationalising LHS and LO in rehabilitation settings. Studies will be included which define a LO or LHS, describe an operating LHS/LO or include the translation of research evidence generated from LHS/LO data into healthcare improvement within a rehabilitation context. All study designs will be included.

The guidelines from the Joanna Briggs institute methodology for scoping reviews will be used for this review. The literature search will be performed using a three-step search strategy: an initial limited search of two databases has been performed to identify relevant key words and index terms. The developed search string will be adapted and applied across the following databases: OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, APA PsycINFO and COCHRANE Database of Systematic Reviews. Reference lists of selected sources and relevant data-hubs will also be searched. A draft data extraction framework will be used and updated iteratively to extract data. Data will be extracted and described to address the research question of how LHS and LO have been conceptualised and operationalised in the context of rehabilitation.

There is potential for rehabilitation focused LHSs to advance global rehabilitation services and facilitate best practice. Little is known about how rehabilitation focused LHSs have been constructed and sustained. This will be the first review to explore LHS application in rehabilitation, guiding future development and research.