Learning Collaboratives - What?

So if it is the next best thing, then what is it exactly?

It is "a well-regarded methodology for disseminating practice improvements in healthcare."

1. You start with a clinical practice you want to improve - a focus area or topic (For instance, an article was published recently titled, "The effect of a learning collaborative to improve engagement in child mental health services.")

2. Then you convene experts - subject and application experts.

3. You invite interested organizations to participate voluntarily (this is key for the "collaborative" part).

4. You develop a framework and changes.

5. There are a series (usually three over the course of a year or so) of learning sessions that bring together experts and organizations to exchange ideas. Experts present the framework and changes for ideal care and later this is bolstered by the voices of practitioners who can say, "I had the same problem and this is how I solved it."

6. Each of these learning sessions are followed by action periods (usually three) for testing the changes proposed during the learning sessions. During the action periods, organizations use a scientific method -Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles (also referred to as small tests of change), to address barriers and quickly make improvements necessary to accomplish the collaborative goals.

7. Ongoing support may include email, visits, phone conferences, webinars, monthly team reports, intranet resources and dialogue, etc.

8. At the end there is celebration and publications - but most importantly, there is change, practice improvement and better care and outcomes for our clients. Everyone can learn from and celebrate that.