Learning is a means to progress and empowerment for health systems

There is widespread consensus that learning is crucial for the performance of health systems and the achievement of broader health goals. However, this consensus is not equally matched by shared knowledge and understanding of how health systems learn, or of how to improve health systems learning across different contexts. The very term ‘learning health systems’ (and variations of it) is not new—it has been invoked for more than a decade in different contexts, and with quite disparate connotations. In this editorial, we, the editors and members of the advisory group for the report, summarise some of these key advances and their wider significance. Together with the other articles in this special series on learning health systems, we are hopeful that the ideas in this editorial will serve as a useful guide for further thought, and for actions and investments in learning to strengthen health systems worldwide.

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Sheikh, K., D. H. Peters, I. A. Agyepong, S. Abimbola, A. Ghaffar, S. Swaminathan (2022) Learning is a means to progress and empowerment for health systemsBMJ Global Health 2022;7:e010572.