“By definition, a learning health system creates a virtuous cycle where data collected in routine care is studied for variations and best practices and that knowledge feeds changes to the system to create better performance. In a Feb. 14 talk, David Atkins, M.D., M.P.H., director of Health Services Research and Development at the Department of Veterans Affairs, described steps the VA is taking to move in that direction.”
“As director of VA’s Health Services Research and Development Service, Atkins oversees a $94 million intramural health services research program, comprised of approximately 1,000 funded investigators and more than 300 ongoing research projects aimed at improving the health of and care for our nation’s veterans. The VA’s Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) focuses on implementation of evidence-based innovations to improve healthcare for veterans.”
“Speaking during an NIH Collaboratory Grand Rounds meeting, Atkins first noted some impediments keeping the VA (and others) from realizing the vision of a learning health system. He said that like other health systems, the VA’s research effort requires some structural changes. The VA does have some unique strengths when it comes to research…” Read the full article here.
Source: Moving Toward a Learning Health System at the VA – By David Raths, February 15, 2020. Healthcare Innovation.
