Exploration of the Voice of the Patient in Learning Health Systems: A Socio-Technical Perspective

Abstract

Despite learning health systems’ focus on including the patients in improving healthcare services, research shows they are still considered participants, not partners. This article aims to provide practical guidance for recognizing and including the Voice of the Patient (VoP) as data in a continuous LHS by describing how the VoP can present itself, how it can be incorporated into the LHS and the barriers and enablers for doing so. Five key domains were identified to consider when including the patient perspective. The use of technology could be a facilitator for patients to provide their perspectives. However, there is a risk of increased health inequity by reducing the VoP of patients with low health or digital literacy.