Friday, April 4, 2025
4/4/2025
Michigan Embedded LHS Scientist Training and Research (MEL-STaR) Center - Abstract/Summary The University of Michigan (U-M) Department of Learning Health Sciences (DLHS) proposes to establish an embedded Learning Health System scientist training and research (“MEL-STaR”) center to support the didactic and experiential training of embedded learning health system scientists focused on principles of patient centeredness to improve patient outcomes and experience, health system operations, quality, and health equity. MEL-STaR Scholars will be embedded in settings (“labs”) where LHS activity is ongoing. These labs include U-M departments, statewide Collaborative Quality Initiatives, VA centers for quality improvement, networks of federally qualified health centers, and the PaTH network of PCORnet. DLHS’ multi-disciplinary MS and PhD program in Health Infrastructures and Learning Systems (HILS), started in 2016, is predicated on the AHRQ LHS competencies, and remains the only predoctoral LHS-focused degree program in the US. HILS trainees (40 currently enrolled and 25 graduates) blend coursework in informatics, implementation science, analytics, and health policy and ethics with an embedded, ‘real-world’ practicum spanning a wide range of health problems and domains related to LHS. An online HILS MS program was launched in 2021. The proposed MEL-STaR center is structured around three cores: Administrative, Research and Education (REC), and Research and Data Analysis (RDAC). The Administrative Core will carry out management, coordination, and communication functions of the center. A Patient Engagement and Health Equity Catalyst (PEHEC) will be embedded in the Administrative Core to ensure all aspects of the center include authentic, ongoing stakeholder engagement, patient-centeredness, and an intentional focus on advancing health equity. The Catalyst will work with all cores and labs to shape how scholars are selected, trained, what research they focus on, and the methods they use to optimize both patient-centeredness and health equity in their training and ultimately in their research careers. Similarly, a Program Evaluation Unit will also be embedded in the Administrative Core to design and conduct evaluation with clear impact metrics linked to improvements in health system performance and patient centered outcomes. The REC will support designated “MEL-STaR Scholars” in didactic and experiential embedded experiences, enabling them to function professionally as LHS scientists who will transform health systems in ways necessary to improve health and healthcare. The RDAC will provide resources to enrich the embedded experiences of the MEL-STaR Scholars and a broader range of LHS-related research activities through advanced resources that reflect the expertise and achievements of U-M faculty. The three integrated cores--built on nine years of DLHS activity as an academic department, seven years of operation of the HILS degree program grounded in the AHRQ competencies, and the robust activities of the “labs” as homes to embedded experiences--will achieve the goals of the MEL-STaR center program at the highest level.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).