Research and QI projects using clinical information from electronic health records and other electronic sources often require large infrastructure investments. To ensure these investments provide the most value, the projects need to be sustainable, according to the study. Study authors describe a framework for sustainable research and QI networks based on the experiences of grantees of the Electronic Data Methods Forum — created by a three-year grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality — and other stakeholders.
The framework includes four pillars, two “foundational considerations” and various policy levers. Here are the four pillars:
1. Trust and value. Under this pillar, research and QI networks should foster ongoing community engagement and continuously assess network value to participants, according to the study.
2. Governance. Research and QI networks should establish clear roles and responsibilities for partners, ensure legal requirements are met and address legal liability concerns, the authors wrote.
3. Management. The staffing model should support the network/project goals at each phase. Project management can help maintain the network, according to the researchers.
4. Financial and administrative support. Research and QI networks should appropriately value in-kind contributions and explore diverse financial models, according to the authors.
These four pillars should be supported by a foundation that includes flexibility and leadership. In addition, policy levers, such as legal requirements, regulations, accreditation and credentialing opportunities, can help ensure the sustainability of research and QI networks, according to the study.
The study appears in eGEMS, a new, open-access, peer-reviewed journal published by the EDM Forum that focuses on using electronic clinical data for health research and quality improvement.
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