Building a learning health system environment in British Columbia

The multiyear gap between the translation of research evidence into changes in practice at the bedside and health policy is well established. A considered approach is required to address this gap while considering economic pressures, staffing shortages, existing health system structures, and established cultures in the work force. Learning health systems (LHS) offers a unique opportunity to mobilize research to directly address healthcare problems. This paper introduces the LHS approach and its use at a global scale, as having potential benefits to today’s health system challenges. We will provide examples of how LHS is enabled in British Columbia, Canada, under a national Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. This paper attempts to leave the reader with an actionable perspective of LHS to consider in their jurisdiction.