ABSTRACT
Introduction
A key barrier to translating evidence into practice is the paucity of learning health system (LHS) researchers elucidating and addressing barriers to implementation and maintenance.
Methods
In response to the growing need for a workforce dedicated to translating evidence into practice, we developed the Southern California Healthcare Delivery Science Center (SC HDSC). In this experience report, we describe the establishment of SC HDSC and its impact to date.
Results
SC HDSC was established in 2021 to develop and support an LHS researcher workforce that develops, tests, and disseminates innovative interventions to enhance healthcare access, quality of care, and health outcomes. The Center leverages academic-public sector partnerships and has an overarching goal of achieving health equity. The conceptual model for SC HDSC involves the solicitation of priorities from patients, families, healthcare system leaders, frontline staff, and researchers; support of interdisciplinary teams to design, implement, and evaluate interventions addressing these priorities; and the creation of toolkits for dissemination of effective interventions. SC HDSC provides grant funding, training, networking, team building, consultations, and career building opportunities for LHS researchers.
Conclusions
SC HDSC may offer a new model for educating LHS researchers and building a broader community dedicated to translating evidence into practice.