Training for Impact: PhD Modernization as a Key Resource for Learning Health Systems

: The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has articulated a vision of a learning health system (LHS) as one that provides the best care at lower costs and that constantly, systematically and seamlessly improves based on data and evidence (IOM 2013). The IOM identifies the four foundational characteristics of an LHS as the real-time use of data and informatics to capture the care experience, patient-clinician partnerships, incentives aligned for value and a leadership-instilled culture of learning (IOM 2013). Although much policy research and commentary has focused on informatics and incentives, relatively less has focused on the critical question of creating a culture of learning in these systems. And although its source is debated, most management gurus agree with the adage that "culture eats strategy for breakfast" (Cave 2017), which is why a focus on the cultural dimension is critically important. Some scholars have recognized the important role of human capital - and of front-line clinicians in particular - in the LHS (Verma and Bhatia 2016). In addition to clinicians, doctorally prepared individuals, such as those with a PhD in health services and policy research (HSPR) and fields such as health economics, epidemiology and health informatics, have the potential to make significant contributions to LHSs and health system reform (Bornstein 2016; Brown and Nuti 2016; CIHR-IHSPR 2016). But having a PhD in these fields is not the same as being prepared to support progress toward an LHS. As argued in other papers, substantial change in doctoral training is needed so that graduates can contribute to their full potential and help drive real innovation within the health system (Bornstein 2016; CIHR-IHSPR 2016; Reid 2016).