Strengths and Challenges of Implementing a Learning Collaborative in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program

Abstract

Learning collaboratives (LCs) are a popular tool for supporting collaboration and shared learning among health programs. Many variations of LCs have been reported in the literature. However, descriptions of key LC components and implementation lack standardization, making it hard to compare and contrast different LC approaches. To advance the field’s understanding of how primary elements of LCs are implemented, we describe the implementation of an LC in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program using a recently established taxonomy of four primary elements of LCs—innovation, social systems, communication, and time. Additionally, we explain the strengths and challenges we encountered with regard to each of these elements when implementing this LC. We then offer recommendations to others on how to leverage LC facilitators and mitigate challenges in future projects. This information can guide other programs to replicate beneficial practices and avoid pitfalls in future LC projects.

Healthier Lives Implementation Research Network for Māori and Pacific community health providers in Aotearoa New Zealand: a study protocol with an observational mixed methods design

“…The survey will include perceptions about the value, benefits and costs associated with being part of the network. This survey will be based on similar evaluations of implementation learning collaboratives [ 18 , 19 , 50 ]. Administration and data analysis procedures will follow those identified in the second stage.…”

“…A third type of infrastructure, and the focus in the current study, is the learning collaborative (LC). A LC is a network of participants (individuals, organisation, systems) that share information, build capacity to address a common health issue(s), and conduct work or implement programmes on the health issue(s) [ 18 – 20 ]. LCs have been frequently used with some positive outcomes demonstrated in recent research including developed research capacity and patient/community outcomes [ 18 , 19 ].…”

“…A LC is a network of participants (individuals, organisation, systems) that share information, build capacity to address a common health issue(s), and conduct work or implement programmes on the health issue(s) [ 18 – 20 ]. LCs have been frequently used with some positive outcomes demonstrated in recent research including developed research capacity and patient/community outcomes [ 18 , 19 ]. LCs are flexible structures which benefit implementation in a particular context, but also can be a challenge in identifying the core structures.…”