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Spanos S, Dammery G, Pagano L, Ellis LA, Fisher G, Smith CL, Foo D, Braithwaite J. Learning health systems on the front lines to strengthen care against future pandemics and climate change: a rapid review. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:829. [PMID: 39039551 PMCID: PMC11265124 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11295-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An essential component of future-proofing health systems against future pandemics and climate change is strengthening the front lines of care: principally, emergency departments and primary care settings. To achieve this, these settings can adopt learning health system (LHS) principles, integrating data, evidence, and experience to continuously improve care delivery. This rapid review aimed to understand the ways in which LHS principles have been applied to primary care and emergency departments, the extent to which LHS approaches have been adopted in these key settings, and the factors that affect their adoption. METHODS Three academic databases (Embase, Scopus, and PubMed) were searched for full text articles reporting on LHSs in primary care and/or emergency departments published in the last five years. Articles were included if they had a primary focus on LHSs in primary care settings (general practice, allied health, multidisciplinary primary care, and community-based care) and/or emergency care settings. Data from included articles were catalogued and synthesised according to the modified Institute of Medicine's five-component framework for LHSs (science and informatics, patient-clinician partnerships, incentives, continuous learning culture, and structure and governance). RESULTS Thirty-seven articles were included, 32 of which reported LHSs in primary care settings and seven of which reported LHSs in emergency departments. Science and informatics was the most commonly reported LHS component, followed closely by continuous learning culture and structure and governance. Most articles (n = 30) reported on LHSs that had been adopted, and many of the included articles (n = 17) were descriptive reports of LHS approaches. CONCLUSIONS Developing LHSs at the front lines of care is essential for future-proofing against current and new threats to health system sustainability, such as pandemic- and climate change-induced events. Limited research has examined the application of LHS concepts to emergency care settings. Implementation science should be utilised to better understand the factors influencing adoption of LHS approaches on the front lines of care, so that all five LHS components can be progressed in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Spanos
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Genevieve Dammery
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
- NHMRC Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Pagano
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Louise A Ellis
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
- NHMRC Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Georgia Fisher
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Carolynn L Smith
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
- NHMRC Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Darran Foo
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, MQ Health General Practice, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
- NHMRC Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Fisher G, Saba M, Dammery G, Ellis LA, Churruca K, Mahadeva J, Foo D, Wilcock S, Braithwaite J. Barriers and facilitators to learning health systems in primary care: a framework analysis. BMJ Health Care Inform 2024; 31:e100946. [PMID: 38909995 DOI: 10.1136/bmjhci-2023-100946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The learning health system (LHS) concept is a potential solution to the challenges currently faced by primary care. There are few descriptions of the barriers and facilitators to achieving an LHS in general practice, and even fewer that are underpinned by implementation science. This study aimed to describe the barriers and facilitators to achieving an LHS in primary care and provide practical recommendations for general practices on their journey towards an LHS. METHODS This study is a secondary data analysis from a qualitative investigation of an LHS in a university-based general practice in Sydney, Australia. A framework analysis was conducted using transcripts from semistructured interviews with clinic staff. Data were coded according to the theoretical domains framework, and then to an LHS framework. RESULTS 91% (n=32) of practice staff were interviewed, comprising general practitioners (n=15), practice nurses (n=3), administrative staff (n=13) and a psychologist. Participants reported that the practice alignment with LHS principles was influenced by many behavioural determinants, some of which were applicable to healthcare in general, for example, some staff lacked knowledge about practice policies and skills in using software. However, many were specific to the general practice environment, for example, the environmental context of general practice meant that administrative staff were an integral part of the LHS, particularly in facilitating partnerships with patients. CONCLUSIONS The LHS journey in general practice is influenced by several factors. Mapping the LHS domains in relation to the theoretical domains framework can be used to generate a roadmap to hasten the journey towards LHS in primary care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Fisher
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maree Saba
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Genevieve Dammery
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise A Ellis
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Churruca
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janani Mahadeva
- MQ Health General Practice, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Darran Foo
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- MQ Health General Practice, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon Wilcock
- MQ Health General Practice, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Teede H, Cadilhac DA, Purvis T, Kilkenny MF, Campbell BCV, English C, Johnson A, Callander E, Grimley RS, Levi C, Middleton S, Hill K, Enticott J. Learning together for better health using an evidence-based Learning Health System framework: a case study in stroke. BMC Med 2024; 22:198. [PMID: 38750449 PMCID: PMC11094907 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03416-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of expanding digital health tools, the health system is ready for Learning Health System (LHS) models. These models, with proper governance and stakeholder engagement, enable the integration of digital infrastructure to provide feedback to all relevant parties including clinicians and consumers on performance against best practice standards, as well as fostering innovation and aligning healthcare with patient needs. The LHS literature primarily includes opinion or consensus-based frameworks and lacks validation or evidence of benefit. Our aim was to outline a rigorously codesigned, evidence-based LHS framework and present a national case study of an LHS-aligned national stroke program that has delivered clinical benefit. MAIN TEXT Current core components of a LHS involve capturing evidence from communities and stakeholders (quadrant 1), integrating evidence from research findings (quadrant 2), leveraging evidence from data and practice (quadrant 3), and generating evidence from implementation (quadrant 4) for iterative system-level improvement. The Australian Stroke program was selected as the case study as it provides an exemplar of how an iterative LHS works in practice at a national level encompassing and integrating evidence from all four LHS quadrants. Using this case study, we demonstrate how to apply evidence-based processes to healthcare improvement and embed real-world research for optimising healthcare improvement. We emphasize the transition from research as an endpoint, to research as an enabler and a solution for impact in healthcare improvement. CONCLUSIONS The Australian Stroke program has nationally improved stroke care since 2007, showcasing the value of integrated LHS-aligned approaches for tangible impact on outcomes. This LHS case study is a practical example for other health conditions and settings to follow suit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Teede
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Monash Partners Academic Health Science Centre, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Dominique A Cadilhac
- Stroke and Ageing Research, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Level 2 Monash University Research, Victorian Heart Hospital, 631 Blackburn Rd, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Stroke Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia.
| | - Tara Purvis
- Stroke and Ageing Research, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Level 2 Monash University Research, Victorian Heart Hospital, 631 Blackburn Rd, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Monique F Kilkenny
- Stroke and Ageing Research, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Level 2 Monash University Research, Victorian Heart Hospital, 631 Blackburn Rd, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Stroke Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Bruce C V Campbell
- Stroke Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Melbourne Brain Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Coralie English
- School of Health Sciences, Heart and Stroke Program, University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Alison Johnson
- Monash Partners Academic Health Science Centre, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Emily Callander
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Rohan S Grimley
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
- Clinical Excellence Division, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Christopher Levi
- John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District and University of Newcastle, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sandy Middleton
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Nursing Research Institute, St Vincent's Health Network Sydney and and Australian Catholic University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kelvin Hill
- Stroke Foundation, Level 7, 461 Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Joanne Enticott
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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McDonald PL, Foley TJ, Verheij R, Braithwaite J, Rubin J, Harwood K, Phillips J, Gilman S, van der Wees PJ. Data to knowledge to improvement: creating the learning health system. BMJ 2024; 384:e076175. [PMID: 38272498 PMCID: PMC10809034 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tom J Foley
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Health Service Executive, Donegal, Ireland
| | - Robert Verheij
- Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, Netherlands
- Tranzo, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
- Dutch National Healthcare Institute, Diemen, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Jessica Phillips
- Translational Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sarah Gilman
- Translational Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Philip J van der Wees
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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