The learning history: A research method to advance the science and practice of organizational learning in healthcare.

Abstract

This paper presents a discussion of the learning history research method, including a description of how to conduct a learning history. Suggested applications of the method in research and clinical practice are also provided. Organizational learning has been linked to improved clinical performance and other positive outcomes in healthcare. Yet, the theoretical guidance available to researchers and clinical leaders who study and strive to foster organizational learning is sparse. Studying how organizational learning occurs in the healthcare context is a critical step toward addressing this knowledge gap. The learning history, a participatory research method, is specifically designed for studying the organizational learning process. Thus, it is precisely suited for the work of developing a theoretical foundation for organizational learning in healthcare. Discussion paper. This discussion paper is based on relevant literature and the authors' experiences conducting learning histories. Researchers can use learning histories to develop a better understanding of and a theoretical foundation for organizational learning in healthcare. Leaders in clinical practice can use learning histories to foster learning and improvement in their organizations. Learning histories are a promising approach to advancing the science and practice of organizational learning.