Learning Networks AHRQ Annual Conference

1. Learning NetworksAHRQ Annual Conference Margie Shofer, BSN, MBA Communications Specialist Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

2. Learning Networks Some definitions… • Groups of people who share a concern, a set of problems, or passion about a topic and who deepen their knowledge in this area by interacting on an ongoing basis • Set up for the primary purpose of increasing knowledge

3. Types

4. Examples • Quality Improvement Organizations (QIO) Learning Network • Medicaid Medical Directors Learning Network

5. QIO Learning Network • Task-based: focused on implementing two AHRQ tools • decreasing VTEs, improving medication reconciliation • QIOs in 16 States, 243 providers • Included 200 hospitals and 43 other providers • Activities included in-person meetings, QIO-specific technical assistance calls, national support calls, member extranet

6. Successes and Challenges Successes Challenges Toolkit availability Resource intensive Some dropped out Reliance on toolkit experts National calls less interactive than State ones • Training highly rated • Implementation in a short period of time • Improved process measures

7. Lessons Learned • Difficult to determine who is ready for intervention during recruitment • Members will need a lot of technical assistance and support during implementation • Can’t assume that learning will continue once network ends

8. Medicaid Medical Directors Learning Network • Practice-based: focused on improving quality of care for Medicaid recipients • Members represent 46 States and DC • Operational since November 2005 • Activities include three in-person meetings/year, Web conferences, teleconferences, member extranet, steering committee, group projects

9. Successes and Challenges Successes Challenges Emerging topics • Very engaged with each other and AHRQ • Product use • Group projects • Less turnover

10. Lessons Learned • It can take time to achieve a learning network where exchange is two-way • Members more likely to use products when they meet a specific need • Need to allow additional time to track product use

11. Overall Lessons: Learning Networks • Learning networks are best when interaction is needed to promote product use and assist with implementation • Learning networks require members to interact in order to be effective • Learning networks can take time to become successful