Nano and pico courses

The Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit and McMaster Health Forum offer two versions of a virtual course on enabling learning health systems (LHS): 1) a 90-minute nano course with open registration for anyone interested in joining; and 2) a shorter ‘pico’ version delivered in response to direct requests from government policymakers and system and organizational leaders, tailored to the needs of the requestor(s).  

The 90-minute nano courses are designed more for researchers, citizen leaders and professional leaders interested in providing patient-partnered evidence support to a LHS.  Each offering has four objectives:  

1. demystifying the idea of a LHS from the perspective of citizen leaders, professional leaders, system and organizational leaders, and government policymakers, as well as researchers
2. moving beyond data analytics being the single driver of learning and improvement to capitalize on recent innovations that can bring multiple forms of evidence and business intelligence to bear in ultra-short timelines
3. moving from researcher-led efforts to a 'three-legged stool' supported by a system or professional leader, a citizen or patient partner and a researcher
4. moving from pilot projects to making this the 'new normal' in health systems

The pico version of the course is designed for government policymakers and system and organizational leaders with delivery times ranging from 30 minutes (for a general overview of key concepts) to 90 minutes (for groups interested in more discussion). Each offering has three objectives:

1. identifying the key elements of the ‘learning health system (LHS) action framework’ that health-system leaders need to know
2. supporting decision-makers in their efforts to advance these LHS elements in their own work by providing real-world examples of how the LHS can be put into action, highlighting the enablers (fuel and accelerants) that can facilitate progress and the barriers (moderators and breaks) that leaders need to address
3. providing an opportunity for health-system leaders to share their experiences and learn from the experiences of others (where do you see pockets of LHS excellence? where would you most like to see LHS assets directed?).

For both courses, representatives from each key group (government policymakers, system and organizational leaders, professional leaders, citizen leaders and researchers interested in providing patient-partnered evidence support to a LHS) kick off discussions related to each of the outlined objectives with a short presentation, followed by ‘rapid-fire’ deliberations among participants.

Connecting to the nano and pico courses

All sessions of the virtual nano and pico courses will be conducted ‘live’ on the internet using Zoom. Participants need to ensure they have a reliable internet connection, speakers, and a microphone.

Registration and requests for a pico course

Registration links for each scheduled nano course will be included on this website as they are confirmed. Requests for a tailored pico course for government policymakers and system and organizational leaders can be initiated by emailing learnhow@mcmaster.ca.