In 2007, the Institute of Medicine introduced the concept of a Learning Health Network. By 2019, over 100 publications had validated the model, and today, several active Learning Health Networks exist across the US and globally (Easterling et al, 2021). However, it's unclear how many are currently operational or how many healthcare systems are implementing this model.

A Learning Health Network is an organizational framework that provides a platform for patients, clinicians, and researchers to share and create data and ideas. This collaborative approach aims to improve health outcomes and experiences by learning from each other.

Key features of a Learning Health Network (LHN) include:

1.     Data Sharing: Facilitates the exchange of health data among stakeholders like healthcare providers, researchers, patients, and policymakers, including electronic health records and patient-reported outcomes.

2.     Analytics and Insights: Uses advanced analytics to identify patterns and inform clinical decisions, research, and policy.

3.     Continuous Improvement: Promotes a culture of ongoing learning and improvement by refining clinical protocols and care pathways in real-time.

4.     Patient Engagement: Actively involves patients in the learning process, tailoring treatments to their needs and preferences.

5.     Research and Innovation: Serves as a platform for clinical research and testing new healthcare interventions using real-world data.

6.     Interoperability and Standards: Adheres to standards that enable effective communication and data exchange between systems and stakeholders.

Examples of LHNs in the US include the Hive network at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, although detailed information on its scale and operations is not publicly available.

This concept aligns with my vision of an equitable future of health, as described in my research on healthcare culture. The provotype developed as part of this research could be considered a Learning Health Network.