A new Living Textbook topic chapter, “Learning Healthcare Systems,” has just been published. The topic includes background information on the creation and evolution of the concept of the learning healthcare system and the key attributes that define such systems, as described by the Institute of Medicine:

A learning healthcare system is [one that] is designed to generate and apply the best evidence for the collaborative healthcare choices of each patient and provider; to drive the process of discovery as a natural outgrowth of patient care; and to ensure innovation, quality, safety, and value in health care [1].

Also included in the topic chapter are ethical and regulatory implications for learning healthcare systems, patient and public engagement, the application of electronic heatlh records and other information technology, logistical and organizational challenges to bulding learning healthcare systems, and early examples of such systems in practice.

Reference

1. Institute of Medicine. The Learning Healthcare System: Workshop Summary. Olsen L, Aisner D, McGinnis JM, eds. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2007. Available at: http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2007/The-Learning-Healthcare-System-Workshop-Summary.aspx. Accessed April 4, 2014.