As healthcare systems around the globe contend with challenges of safety, efficiency, and effectiveness, there emerges a stirring promise of transformation through the incorporation of digital technology within Learning Health Systems (LHSs). In this expository piece, we delve into the pivotal role digital technology plays in cultivating LHSs that adapt, learn and evolve rapidly to facilitate enhanced patient care and optimized health outcomes. Anchored by a scoping review protocol by Lessard et al. (2020), our article aims to foster a nuanced understanding of digital technology’s impact on LHSs.
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026204
Introduction
The era of digital technology in healthcare heralds an unprecedented potential for revolutionizing the way health systems operate. With advancements in technological infrastructure and data analytics capabilities, Learning Health Systems are positioned to become dynamic entities capable of continuous improvement. Lessard et al. (2020) set forth a scoping review protocol published in BMJ Open, with the objective of distilling the scope and extent of digital technology use within LHSs, identifying literature gaps, and guiding future research on this subject.
The Essence of Learning Health Systems
Learning Health Systems epitomize the convergence of healthcare provision and continuous learning—environments where data and experiences integrate to perpetuate improved healthcare processes and outcomes (Friedman et al., 2010; Grossman et al., 2011). Such systems leverage real-time data to support decision-making and empower healthcare stakeholders at all levels (Etheredge, 2007; Institute of Medicine, 2006).
Digital Technology in LHSs: A Scoping Review Protocol
Amid the general consensus on the utility of digital technologies in LHSs, Lessard et al.’s proposed scoping review aims to ascertain how and to what extent these advancements are actively shaping LHSs. The review process involves a rigorous selection of records from multiple databases and grey literature, applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria and extracting data using a standardized form. Ethical approval is omitted since the review synthesizes existing literature rather than collecting primary data (Lessard et al., 2020).
Digital Technology and its Multifaceted Applications
From Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to clinical decision support systems and telehealth services, digital technology encircles various facets of healthcare. These technologies serve as the backbone for LHSs, offering a foundation for continuous improvements in health and healthcare (Grossman et al., 2011). The review’s findings will provide an analytical perspective on current practices and suggest areas for enhancement and innovation within the landscape of digital health.
The Impact of Digital Technology on LHSs
The synergy between digital technology and LHSs promises to enhance the timeliness and precision of healthcare interventions while fostering a culture of evidence-based practice. This integration facilitates a circular learning process, where patient data inform clinical care, and the outcomes of care, in turn, generate new insights, catalyzing research and innovation (Friedman et al., 2015; Fung-Kee-Fung et al., 2018).
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
Implementing digital technologies within LHSs is beset with challenges such as interoperability issues, data privacy concerns, and ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of patient data (McLennan et al., 2018). The scoping review by Lessard et al. anticipates uncovering these complex challenges, contributing to the conversation on how best to navigate them.
Future Directions
The insights garnered from the scoping review will elucidate knowledge gaps, thereby offering guidance on the trajectory of future research. These findings are integral to the advancement of digital technology in LHSs, ensuring these systems remain responsive to the evolving needs of patients and providers alike (Etheredge, 2014; Forrest et al., 2018).
Conclusion
As health systems worldwide strive for excellence, the trajectory of digital technology within LHSs holds promise for a transformative shift. The upcoming comprehensive scoping review by Lessard et al. (2020) is poised to map the digital landscape, laying the groundwork for enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Keywords
1. Digital Health Technology
2. Learning Health Systems
3. Healthcare Informatics
4. Clinical Decision Support
5. Health Data Analytics
References
1. Lessard, L., Grudniewicz, A., Sauré, A., Szczotka, A., King, J., & Fung-Kee-Fung, M. (2020). Type and use of digital technology in learning health systems: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open, 9(5), e026204. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026204
2. Friedman, C. P., Wong, A. K., & Blumenthal, D. (2010). Achieving a nationwide learning health system. Sci Transl Med, 2(57), 57cm29. DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3001456
3. Etheredge, L. M. (2007). A rapid-learning health system. Health Aff (Millwood), 26(2), w107–w118. DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.26.2.w107
4. Grossman, C., Powers, B., & McGinnis, J. M. (2011). Digital Infrastructure for the Learning Health System: the Foundation for Continuous Improvement in Health and Health Care. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. DOI: 10.17226/12912
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