The Potential of Learning Healthcare Systems

A Learning Healthcare System is defined, by the Institute of Medicine (IoM)[1], as a system in which “science, informatics, incentives, and culture are aligned for continuous improvement and innovation, with best practices seamlessly embedded in the delivery process and new knowledge captured as an integral by-product of the delivery experience.”

A new report, co-authored by Dr Thomas Foley and Dr Fergus Fairmichael, outlines how technology, the Internet and big data analytics, improved outcomes measurement and systematic behaviour change techniques can enable real change within healthcare, leading to Learning Healthcare Systems.

[1] Institute of, M. The Learning Health System Series. 2015. Available from: http://www.nap.edu/catalog/13301/the-learning-health-system-series.