The NIA IMPACT Health Care Systems Core recently launched its Learning Health Network, to connect health care practice and research for people living with dementia and their care partners. The Learning Health Network is a consortium of individuals, organized into 4 unique communities representing unique settings of care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their care partners. The goal is to bridge the gap between research and practice by facilitating relationship-building and information sharing between researchers and members of the various care settings. The Learning Health Network is in its beginning phase, with current efforts aimed at building the 4 unique communities:
- Long-term Care (nursing homes, assisted living, and other settings that provide around-the-clock care for persons living with dementia)
- Healthcare Settings (Clinics, ACOs, MA Plans, Integrated Delivery Systems)
- Hospitals/Emergency Departments
- Community-based Organizations (Meals on Wheels, Hospice, Senior Centers, Adult Day Centers)
Health Care Systems Core Leaders Eric B. Larson, MD, MPH and Leah Hanson, PhD are leading the efforts for the Learning Health Network, and recently shared their goals and vision for the network, describing the Learning Health Network as an opportunity to create a transformative and bi-directional relationship between stakeholders working to improve dementia care.
“The idea of a learning health network is foundational to health care systems,” said Larson. We need bi-directional communication, so that research informs practice, and practice informs research. It’s not just “we” educating “them”. We will educate each other about the settings and how we can work with them.”
Hanson recognized the importance of listening to each other as well. “If researchers are operating in a silo and conduct an amazing intervention and we roll out in real world, but it doesn’t work, then it doesn’t help,” she said. “We have to consider those factors in design of research studies. We believe this network is the way to bring people together.”
Larson and Hanson said they believe that groups like the Learning Health Network will prove to be especially helpful when dealing with crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In our system, people are sharing and engaging with each other in ways they never have before,” said Hanson. “We did a weekly call at our health care system when COVID first started, with large clinician engagement. People want to learn what is happening, and being set up to easily share information will help that process.”
Larson and Hanson said that their hope is that for a small investment of time, members of the Learning Health Network can gain access to thought leaders and experts while also educating researchers about how to improve care in real-world settings. Both core leaders recently presented with two other members of the Core for a Grand Rounds webinar and follow-up podcast about the Core and the Learning Health Network.
The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care published a report July 30, 2020 that highlights recommendations for policy makers and individuals to help reduce dementia risk worldwide.