Harnessing the innovative technologies developed through AGE-WELL (e.g., to capture, link and share data about key indicators such as patient experiences, clinical encounters, costs and health status) is critical for enabling rapid-learning health systems (RLHS). RLHS refer to the combination of a health system and a research system that at all levels – self-management, clinical encounter, program, organization, regional (or provincial) health authority and government – is:

• anchored on the needs, perspectives and aspirations of the people it is designed to serve;
• driven by timely data and evidence;
• supported by appropriate decision supports and aligned governance, financial and delivery arrangements; and enabled with a culture of and competencies for rapid learning and improvement.

Our overall goal is to spark action towards building technology-enabled RLHS for the aging population in Canada and will pursue two specific goals:

• identify in-depth insights about current community ‘best practices’ in aging for RLHS;
• spark collective action based on citizens’ values and preferences and stakeholders’ insights for building a technology-enabled RLHS in the aging space.

For goal 1, we will conduct qualitative case studies of purposively selected ‘best practices’ related to aging in Canada by identifying whether, how and with what impact they have used technology to enable an RLHS approach. For goal 2, we will convene four citizen panels in Canadian regions followed by stakeholder dialogues with leaders who can provide unique insights as well as champion the changes needed to support and ultimately build technology-enabled RLHS in aging.
The potential for cross-jurisdictional impact is significant. The tangible insights from our analyses will be essential for decision-makers to make the investments and/or transformation needed for implementing RLHS for the aging population in Canada. This will position AGE-WELL at the forefront of championing a highly innovative approach to strengthening health systems across Canada.