- Online
- $950
Health systems across British Columbia and beyond are under pressure to improve care quickly, equitably, and sustainably. Many professionals lack practical support to turn data, evidence and community knowledge into meaningful improvements. This course addresses these challenges by providing hands on experience in applying Learning Health System (LHS) principles to real world problems.
This course is relevant for health professionals, administrators, planners, analysts, and system leaders who want to strengthen their ability to lead equity-centred, data informed improvements in their organization or health system. It is especially valuable for those working with rural, remote and Indigenous communities. It is not intended for learners seeking a purely theoretical introduction to Learning Health Systems without applied practice.
This course was co-developed by UBC Digital Emergency Medicine with Indigenous scholars and leaders, Health Academics and scholars, Virtual and Digital Health organization leads, and BC Ministry of Health/HealthLink BC. - ensuring the course reflects real health system needs, policy priorities and frontline experience
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Apply Learning Health System frameworks to real world healthcare challenges
- Integrate administrative, clinical, and patient reported data into practical decision making
- Lead culturally safe, equity informed improvement initiatives in interdisciplinary teams
- Use quality improvement and data visualization tools to support meaningful and measurable change
- Build and sustain continuous learning cycles that embed equity, partnership, and responsiveness in everyday practice
- Develop and present a capstone style applied project relevant to your own work setting.
Learning takes place through a combination of short readings, recorded videos, interactive online discussions, hands on exercises, learning assessments and real British Columbia case studies. Each week includes guided practice activities that help you apply course concepts to your organizational context. Throughout the course, you will also complete a capstone style applied project that allows you to design an improvement initiative grounded in Learning Health System principles.
Course outline
Module 1: Introduction, Orientation and Initial Reflection
Gain an understanding of the Learning Health System approach and reflect on your role within the BC health system.
What learners will find:
- A course overview and roadmap
- Welcome video and competency summary
- Introductions activity and initial reflection
- Guidance on identifying a Learning Health System example from their own work
- Discussion board engagement across participants
Module 2: Foundations of the Learning Health System:
Explore the core principles, frameworks, and ethical foundations that shape Learning Health Systems.
What learners will find:
- Quintuple Aim and PP Plus frameworks
- Approaches to Indigenous partnerships
- PDSA cycles and Two Eyed Seeing
- Ethics and quality improvement concepts
- Readings, videos, worksheets, and quizzes
- Peer reflections and discussion board submissions
Module 3: LHS in Action Applied Tools and Case Studies
Learn how Learning Health System concepts are applied in practice through real BC case studies and interactive tools.
What learners will find:
- RTVS case study and Deliberative Dialogue
- Network analysis and provider mapping
- Dashboard and data exercises
- Integrated Knowledge Translation
- Economic evaluation in learning health systems
- Qualitative Approaches in Learning Health Systems
- Leading Programs Through a Learning Health System Approach
- Scenario based practice activities
- Module quizzes and learning checks
Module 4: Applied Capstone Project
Design and refine a practical improvement project that applies Learning Health System concepts in your own context.
What learners will find:
- Capstone guidelines and scoping activities
- Peer review opportunities
- Instructional videos to support project development
- Capstone reflection and final project submission
Module 5: Wrap Up and Integration
Synthesize your learning, reflect on your growth, and plan next steps for applying Learning Health System principles.
What learners will find:
- Key learnings worksheet
- Final reflection activity
- Reading summary
- Course evaluation and feedback form
- Downloadable worksheets for ongoing use
How am I assessed?
Assessment in this course is based on a combination of reflective activities, online discussions, quizzes, applied exercises, and a final capstone project. You will complete the following:
- an initial reflection and ongoing reflective updates throughout the course
- quizzes and learning checks in Modules 2 and 3
- a required passing score of 80 percent on the end of module quizzes in Modules 2 and 3 in order to progress to the next module
- applied worksheets, data exercises, and scenario based activities
- peer feedback activities that support collaborative learning
- a capstone project submission, including peer review and reflection
- a final reflection and evaluation form at the end of the course
All assessments are designed to help you apply Learning Health System concepts in practical settings and demonstrate your understanding of course materials.
This course operates on a pass/fail basis. You must achieve a grade of 80% or greater to pass and be eligible to receive a UBC Non-Credit Letter of Proficiency and a UBC-branded digital badge, shareable on professional platforms like LinkedIn.
Expected effort
Expect to spend three to five hours per week to complete readings, videos, hands on activities, and online discussions. Additional time may be required to complete the capstone project. The course includes optional live or drop in sessions in module 5 to support engagement, reflection and questions at the end of the course.
Textbook and technology requirements
There is no required textbook for this course. All readings and resources will be provided within the learning platform.
Technology Requirements
To take this course, you will need access to:
- an email account
- a computer, laptop, or tablet using Windows or macOS
- the latest version of a web browser, or the previous major version
- a reliable internet connection
- a webcam/video camera and microphone for interactive activities
Requisites
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. It is intended for professionals working in health services, policy, analytics, planning, community engagement, quality improvement, or system leadership. Prior experience with Learning Health Systems is not required.
Course format
This 100% online course is delivered through a mix of asynchronous learning activities. Learners will complete short readings, recorded videos, hands on exercises, and online discussions. Weekly activities build toward the final capstone project.
An optional real time drop-in session will be available for added support and reflection with micro-course creator and subject matter experts.
One business day before the course start date, we’ll email you step-by-step instructions for accessing your course.
