Abstract
Learning Health Systems (LHS) iteratively implement and evaluate health improvement projects. Dissemination and implementation (D&I) science is the study of evidence-based practices in real-world settings, a critical tool for LHS. This paper explores intersections between LHS and D&I science in Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs) institutions and identifies critical components of collaboration. We conducted website scans of 34 CTSAs and their home institutions that had Dissemination, Implementation, and Knowledge Translation (DIKT) Workgroup members. We identified linkages between CTSAs and their institutions' LHS. We interviewed six CTSA leaders experienced in LHS and D&I sciences. Nearly half of CTSAs identified an LHS structure on their websites, but only one-third indicates CTSA involvement in these efforts. Interviewees identified key components for successful integration of LHS and D&I sciences: leadership, infrastructure, balance between rigor and efficiency, and aligned incentives. The need for research integration in LHS, to improve evaluation and increase knowledge, is an emerging opportunity for D&I scientists and CTSAs. CTSAs that are engaged in D&I science can introduce and/or expand the role of D&I science in LHS. Collaboration between CTSAs and clinical leaders could result in strengthened relationships between clinical and research enterprises, effective and efficient health care delivery, and improved health.
Highlights
An approach to improving population health is the Learning Health System (LHS), defined and described in an IOM report in 2013 [1]
Integration between LHS efforts and the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs) was most highly developed at institutions where there was institutional leadership for an LHS with an understanding of the value of Dissemination and implementation (D&I) science and of CTSA infrastructure
It is a valuable approach to quality and population health improvement employed by almost 50% of the institutions involved in the CTSA Consortium DIKT Workgroup
Summary
An approach to improving population health is the Learning Health System (LHS), defined and described in an IOM report in 2013 [1]. An LHS is an approach that iteratively implements and evaluates projects that result in measurable improvements in population health and efficient use of health care and community resources. “Dissemination and implementation research seeks to understand how to best apply scientific advances in the real world, by focusing on pushing the evidence-based knowledge base out into routine use” [3]. This is essentially the last step in translational science and is a critical tool in an LHS. In a companion article in this issue, define and discuss the distinctions between the sciences of dissemination, implementation, and translation and point out that dissemination science and implementation science are each consistent with the ideals and function of an LHS [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
