Creating Value Through Learning Health Systems: The Alberta Strategic Clinical Network Experience

Design, implementation, and evaluation of effective multicomponent interventions typically take decades before value is realized even when value can be measured. Value-based health care, an approach to improving patient and health system outcomes, is a way of organizing health systems to transform outcomes and achieve the highest quality of care and the best possible outcomes with the lowest cost. We describe 2 case studies of value-based health care optimized through a learning health system framework that includes Strategic Clinical Networks. Both cases demonstrate the acceleration of evidence to practice through scientific, financial, structural administrative supports and partnerships. Clinical practice interventions in both cases, one in perioperative services and the other in neonatal intensive care, were implemented across multiple hospital sites. The practical application of using an innovation pipeline as a structural process is described and applied to these cases. A value for money improvement calculator using a benefits realization approach is presented as a mechanism/tool for attributing value to improvement initiatives that takes advantage of available system data, customizing and making the data usable for frontline managers and decision makers. Health care leaders will find value in the descriptions and practical information provided.