Learning health systems and learning organisations in post-acute rehabilitation care: a scoping review

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of literature applying LHS and learning organisation (LO) concepts to rehabilitation, gather definitions and core features, and document their application and resultant organisational changes. We searched five electronic databases and included peer-reviewed qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies, reviews, and grey literature in English. Full texts were screened, resulting in 27 included papers. Most of the included papers discussed the concept of LHS, emphasising key aspects like infrastructure and learning mechanisms. However, only a minority described practical implementation (<i>n</i> = 4) or assessed the effects of applying LHS frameworks within rehabilitation settings (<i>n</i> = 1). This scoping review highlights the limited empirical focus on implementing and operationalising LHS frameworks in rehabilitation services. Based on the available literature, we offer recommendations for rehabilitation services transitioning to a LHS. Our findings emphasise the need for increased dissemination of knowledge and research on the implementation and evaluation of rehabilitation-focused LHS. Learning Health Systems (LHS) and Learning Organisations (LOs) are distinct but similar concepts that align with key rehabilitation principles.LHSs integrate clinical care and research, utilising health data for real-time learning and innovation, while LOs focus on creating supportive cultures and organisational structures to facilitate adaptation.Although LHSs show great promise for improving rehabilitation services, there is limited literature on their implementation and evaluation in rehabilitation contexts.Recommendations for implementing LHSs in rehabilitation based on available literature include assembling multidisciplinary teams, developing robust data infrastructures, fostering effective communication, and assessing outcomes through various measures. Learning Health Systems (LHS) and Learning Organisations (LOs) are distinct but similar concepts that align with key rehabilitation principles. LHSs integrate clinical care and research, utilising health data for real-time learning and innovation, while LOs focus on creating supportive cultures and organisational structures to facilitate adaptation. Although LHSs show great promise for improving rehabilitation services, there is limited literature on their implementation and evaluation in rehabilitation contexts. Recommendations for implementing LHSs in rehabilitation based on available literature include assembling multidisciplinary teams, developing robust data infrastructures, fostering effective communication, and assessing outcomes through various measures.