A learning health system (LHS) constantly evaluates itself to improve care. Our LHS Team, active since 2018, enables health system leaders to evaluate programs and implement evidence-based changes, applying what we learn to improve patient care.
The objective of the LHS team is to develop a “culture of inquiry” between health care operations teams and researchers. That means conducting relevant work that is aligned with regional and national KP priorities and that addresses decision making needs and knowledge gaps from the perspective of administrators, clinicians, and patients.
Our LHS team supports health plan leaders with rapid literature reviews, consults on study design and analysis, and conducts evaluations and analyses. Our LHS team also advises on research compliance issues, such as ensuring adherence with federal, state, and local regulations, institutional requirements, and best practices that govern research.
CHR Learning Health System Projects:
Center for Black Health and Wellness
The center provides culturally competent care to Black patients and seeks to address health disparities; our team will be leading the evaluation to determine how well it meets its goals and provide the needed evidence to scale and spread the program.
Assessing Breast Cancer Outcomes in Black and Hispanic Women
The LHS team is examining the epidemiology of breast cancer among these two populations. The project will determine if tailored treatment is needed for these breast cancer patients – and examine longer term outcomes for these women diagnosed with breast cancer within Kaiser Permanente.
Improving Cervical Cancer Screening Rates
The LHS team evaluated a program created by the KPNW OB/Gyn department to improve quality with faster access to care and to engage nursing staff to improve their skills. The evaluation demonstrated a reduction in cervical cancer care gaps, and it will inform the scale and spread of the RN Cervical Care Program across KPNW.
Diabetes Panel Management
To compare diabetes outcomes among patients who participated in a program to help them better manage their diabetes, the LHS team completed an analysis of the patients receiving the services and found the program was effective in reducing patient’s blood sugar (A1c). Based on this evaluation, KPNW expanded the program.
Head and Neck Cancer Analyses
The LHS team conducted analyses of patients with head and neck cancer to identify patient factors associated with 1) getting recommended radiation treatment and 2) late-stage cancer. The results will improve diagnosis and treatment of these cancers in a timely manner.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Risk Prediction
The LHS team will test a risk prediction model to identify patients who may have undiagnosed CKD. They will also test the implementation of a project to notify patients or providers of CKD risk status. This will improve KPNW’s ability to diagnose CKD earlier and save resources to better care for patients with other chronic conditions.
Addressing Social Needs to Improve Cancer Care
The LHS team is assessing a new care model among a subset of the KPNW cancer population. The results will demonstrate how addressing social needs can improve cancer care for patients in KPNW.
Improving Care for those with Substance Abuse Disorder
CHR Senior Investigator Bobbi Jo Yarborough, PsyD, is conducting a survey to understand factors associated with non-adherence to naloxone medications among members with a substance abuse disorder. The results will help improve care for these members.
Maintaining Regulatory Compliance
CHR’s LHS team provided compliance support to 30 projects in 2024, which carefully protects member and participant privacy and maintains the integrity of research and quality improvement activities. This unique expertise ensures KPNW maintains national research compliance standards.