Qualitative Perspective on the Learning Health System: How the Community Health Applied Research Network Paved the Way for Research in Safety-Net Settings.

BACKGROUND: Safety-net populations are underrepresented in health research networks. To address this deficit, the Community Health Applied Research Network (CHARN) was created to promote integration of research in health centers (HCs). CHARN embodies a learning health system (LHS) model to advance the evidence base for improved care in safety-net settings. OBJECTIVES: We sought to identify lessons learned from the development of research infrastructure to promote the inclusion of safety-net populations in research. METHODS: We conducted nine qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of CHARN members, as well as content analysis of work plans and project reports, and identified barriers and facilitators to building research capacity in HCs. RESULTS: Lessons learned include the importance of linking research to the HC mission, encouraging mentoring, and investing in data infrastructure at HCs to tailor health services to communities. CONCLUSIONS: Findings can inform safety-net providers on the process of building research infrastructure and capacity.

Reducing Health Inequities in the U.S.: Recommendations From the NHLBI's Health Inequities Think Tank Meeting.

The National, Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened a Think Tank meeting to obtain insight and recommendations regarding the objectives and design of the next generation of research aimed at reducing health inequities in the United States. The panel recommended several specific actions, including: 1) embrace broad and inclusive research themes; 2) develop research platforms that optimize the ability to conduct informative and innovative research, and promote systems science approaches; 3) develop networks of collaborators and stakeholders, and launch transformative studies that can serve as benchmarks; 4) optimize the use of new data sources, platforms, and natural experiments; and 5) develop unique transdisciplinary training programs to build research capacity. Confronting health inequities will require engaging multiple disciplines and sectors (including communities), using systems science, and intervening through combinations of individual, family, provider, health system, and community-targeted approaches. Details of the panel's remarks and recommendations are provided in this report.