How Do We Build the Human Capital for a True Learning Healthcare System?

Meghan McMahon; Stephen Bornstein; Shanthi Johnson; Carl-Ardy Dubois; Erin Thompson; Adalsteinn Brown

doi:10.12927/hcpap.2022.26844

How Do We Build the Human Capital for a True Learning Healthcare System?

Healthc Pap. 2022 Apr;20(3):44-52. doi: 10.12927/hcpap.2022.26844.

Authors

Meghan McMahon¹, Stephen Bornstein², Shanthi Johnson³, Carl-Ardy Dubois⁴, Erin Thompson⁵, Adalsteinn Brown⁶

Affiliations

¹ Associate Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research; Assistant Professor (status), Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
² Co-Chair, Training Modernization Task Force, Canadian Health Services and Policy Research Alliance; Professor, Community Health and Humanities and Political Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL.
³ Co-Chair, Training Modernization Task Force, Canadian Health Services and Policy Research Alliance; Professor and Dean, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
⁴ Co-Chair, Training Modernization Task Force, Canadian Health Services and Policy Research Alliance; Professor and Dean, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC.
⁵ Project Manager, CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research, Toronto, ON.
⁶ Co-Chair, Training Modernization Task Force, Canadian Health Services and Policy Research Alliance; Professor and Dean, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.

PMID: 35759484
DOI: 10.12927/hcpap.2022.26844

Abstract

Our healthcare systems depend on human capital for effectiveness. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research - Institute of Health Services and Policy Research has prioritized building capacity for "solution-oriented research and evidence-informed health care system transformation" (CIHR IHSPR 2021a: 20) as a core strategic direction. In this commentary, we articulate strategies for positioning PhD-trained scientists at the forefront of this transformation, including refreshing a competency framework that outlines the skill set required for maximum impact, exploring opportunities to expand embedded research career pathways and considering new ways to support the evolution of learning health systems. We conclude highlighting the need to modernize how real-world research impact is recognized.

MeSH terms

Canada
Capacity Building*
Delivery of Health Care
Humans
Learning Health System*