Informing WHO Guidance on Learning Health Systems for the Implementation, Scale-Up and Sustainment of Evidence-Informed Health Interventions: Findings from an International Stakeholder Consultation
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: BackgroundLearning Health Systems (LHSs) have considerable potential to improve the implementation, scale-up and sustainment of evidence-informed health interventions. However, practical guidance on operationalising LHS principles across diverse health system contexts, levels (macro, meso, and micro), and stakeholder groups remains limited. To support broader adoption, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the University of Newcastle's National Centre of Implementation Science (NCOIS), developed a draft Guidance on using a Learning Health System approach to implementation, scale-up and sustainment of evidence-informed health interventions (Guidance). An international stakeholder consultation was undertaken to inform its refinement.ObjectivesThe consultation sought feedback to: (1) assess the relevance and applicability of the draft Guidance; (2) identify implementation considerations across diverse settings; and (3) obtain recommendations to improve its content, usability, and practical application.ProcessStakeholders from policymaking, research, clinical, and other health system sectors 2across all six WHO regions were invited by the WHO Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) to attend a two-hour online workshop conducted in April 2025 via Zoom. Participants received background materials in advance. Facilitated breakout discussions focused on: (1) content and structure; and (2) dissemination, implementation, and practical application. Feedback was collected from multiple sources (e.g., discussion notes, Zoom chats) and synthesised by NCOIS staff involved in the Guidancedevelopment.Key Messages and Feedback ImpactParticipants expressed strong support for the purpose and value of the Guidance. Feedback emphasised the need for flexible, iterative approaches that accommodate variation in health system contexts, levels, stakeholder needs, and available resources. Participants highlighted the importance of supporting progressive development of LHS capabilities and strongly endorsed accessible language, case studies, practical tools, and alignment with existing WHO frameworks.Feedback informed refinements to improve clarity, accessibility, and practical applicability. Revisions strengthened content on LHS concepts, implementation, leadership and governance, stakeholder engagement, and equity, while adding case studies, implementation tools, resource inventories, and practical supports.ConclusionThe consultation provided a robust mechanism to assess and strengthen the relevance, usability, feasibility, and acceptability of the Guidance. The resulting refinements enhanced its applicability across diverse settings and its potential to support implementation, scale-up and sustainment using an LHS approach.
Source: PsyArXiv (OSF Preprints)
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225430094