Learning Health System

Simply put, Learning Health Systems iteratively implement and evaluate health improvement projects. This cycle of continuous improvement results in higher-quality, safer and more efficient care for patients, and better professional satisfaction for healthcare providers.

More specifically, Learning Health Systems are systems 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” (Institute of Medicine, 2015).

Learning Health Systems

Systematically gather and apply evidence in real time to improve decision-making and guide care.

Continuously assess outcomes and refine processes to create a feedback cycle of learning and improvement.

How AbSPORU is fostering a Learning Health System

The Learning Health System team works to build capacity for health system learning and improvement by:

  • Providing knowledge translation and implementation science consultation services, resources, and training to researchers, health system practitioners and innovation and quality improvement teams.
  • Building learning communities and partnerships
  • The KT Alberta Community of Practice was created for people working in health-related knowledge translation in Alberta.
  • The Implementation Science Collaborative brings together academic and health systems stakeholders to strengthen implementation efforts within Alberta’s health system.

Learn More About Our Services

Knowledge Translation

Knowledge Translation (KT) is the process of preparing evidence for use by different audiences. Planning and preparation of KT products based on research findings can happen after a project is complete (end-of-grant KT) or concurrently with stakeholders as research is designed and conducted (integrated KT). Either way, it is important that the format and mode of delivery matches the needs of the end users so that they can use knowledge created through research.

Knowledge Translation Services

One-on-one consultations to help design your KT plan and prepare your findings in ways that stakeholders can use.

  • Methodological advice and support for knowledge translation including end-user engagement, selection of appropriate KT strategies, product development, usability testing, and evaluation
  • Advice on developing an end-of-grant KT plan for your research or project
  • Help writing the KT section of your grant/reviewing grant proposals

Training

We offer webinars and ‘how-to’ workshops to support you in developing KT skills. Topics include end-of-grant KT, integrated KT, user-centered design, usability testing, evaluation, and engagement. See Training Opportunities for details on these and all AbSPORU training.

KT Alberta Community of Practice

We have created a space where people working in health-related knowledge translation in Alberta can access training, funding, and opportunities to connect. Learn more about KT Alberta

To subscribe to the bi-weekly newsletter sharing knowledge translation related news and events, click here.

For more information on our KT services and training, contact us.

Implementation Science

Implementation science (IS) is the study of what works, for whom, when, why and how. This area of science focuses on how to move evidence into policy, process, or practice so that patients have access to high-quality care.

Implementation Science Services

One-on-one consultations to discuss implementation planning, conduct, evaluation, and sustainability planning

  • Assistance identifying appropriate implementation strategies and support in planning and evaluating implementation efforts
  • Advice on stakeholder management, including strategies for partnership building, messaging, and facilitation
  • Help writing implementation and evaluation designs into grant proposals

Training

We offer webinars and “how to” workshops to support you in developing skills to study and practice implementation. Topics include readiness assessment, identifying appropriate frameworks for implementation practice and evaluation, identification of facilitators and barriers, and sustainability planning.

Implementation Science in Patient-Oriented Research Certificate

This certificate program was developed in collaboration with other subject matter experts to create a certificate program aimed to provide foundational skills in implementation science, with a specific focus on the Alberta context. This is a 9 week course delivered entirely online.

For more information on our KT services and training, contact us.

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CALGARY

University of Calgary Foothills Campus
3330 Hospital Dr NW
Calgary, AB T2N 4N1

EDMONTON

College Plaza
1702, 8215 112 St NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8

Land Acknowledgment

The Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit operates on and acknowledges the lands that are the traditional and ancestral territory of many peoples, presently subject to Treaties 6, 7, and 8. Namely: the Blackfoot Confederacy – Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika – the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stoney Nakoda, and the Tsuu T’ina Nation and the Métis People of Alberta. This includes the Métis Settlements and the Métis Nation of Alberta. We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit who have lived in and cared for these lands for generations. We make this acknowledgment as a reaffirmation of our shared commitment towards reconciliation, and as part of AbSPORU’s mandate towards fostering health system transformation.