3.1 Why learning health systems are important

In this module, we will investigate three important reasons why learning is important for health systems to: 1) improve system function, 2) improve adaptability and innovation, and strengthen self-reliance. Oftentimes, investments in terms of time and resources for learning get crowded out by other priorities by the need to focus on and complete other tasks that may seem more immediate or tangible than learning. One reason for this could be how learning has been framed and contextualized in health systems – including its purported benefits and how to effectively operationalize it.

And yet, we also know that health systems are often enduring and suffering from adverse effects of policies and practices that were not based on relevant knowledge and experience. Further, many LMIC health systems do not have the capacity to optimally generate and use the knowledge that they need to be effective. Investments in learning tend to account for small proportions of overall investment in health programmes and systems.

Building on the levels, loops, and means of learning that you have explored in Modules 1 and 2, you will journey through several important components of a rationale for why learning is of high importance and value for health systems and the benefits that learning can produce.