SCALE-LHS: Synthesize, Coordinate, Amplify, Learn, and Evaluate the AHRQ/PCOR LHS network

PROJECT SUMMARY The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) proposes to establish the Synthesize, Coordinate, Amplify, Learn, and Evaluate the AHRQ/PCORI LHS network (SCALE-LHS) coordinating center (“Hub”) for the AHRQ/PCORI LHS E-StaR Centers. The SCALE-LHS Hub will serve four key functions. First, the Hub will provide timely and effective coordination of network activities. Second, the Hub will support LHS activities focused on equity – the newest LHS competency domain – through the creation of an LHS Equity Enhancement Collaborative and through monthly LHS equity seminars. Third, the Hub will conduct annual formative and summative evaluations of the 16 LHS E-StaR Centers and the overall network using a robust mixed methods approach. Fourth, the Hub shall synthesize learnings across the network and disseminate these learnings using a multimodal approach. SCALE-LHS will leverage the expertise of three complementary centers at Penn: the implementation science expertise of the Penn Implementation Science Center (PISCE, led by MPI Lane-Fall), the health equity expertise of the Penn Center for Health Equity Advancement (CHEA, led by MPI Aysola), and the quality and safety capacity building expertise of the Penn Center for Healthcare Improvement and Patient Safety (CHIPS, led by MPI Myers). Key activities of the SCALE-LHS Hub will be conducted in partnership with AHRQ and PCORI staff and will include: planning and facilitating monthly program director (PD) meetings; planning and executing an annual meeting of PDs and LHS scientist trainees; distributing a monthly newsletter with network events, relevant readings, and other information of interest to the LHS E-StaR network; training and supporting LHS scientists in integrating equity considerations and meaningfully engaging with community members and other stakeholders; gathering program information from PDs and scientists; evaluating programs and delivering evaluation results to the LHS E-StaR sites; sharing learnings from the network through reports, white papers and policy briefs, blogs, peer-reviewed publications, and social media; and meeting with AHRQ and PCORI staff as needed to support the E-StaR centers. Deliverables include annual network reports of activities and learnings, annual equity reports, publications, and a Hub website with a YouTube channel for equity seminar recordings. The SCALE-LHS Hub will meet the needs of the LHS E-StaR network by supporting both operational needs (coordination, evaluation) and aspirational goals (fostering equity and stakeholder engagement, promoting learning across the network). In so doing, the SCALE-LHS Hub will catalyze the impact of embedded learning health system scientists in reaching the nation's goals for high-value, high-quality health care and outcomes.