title: A Collaborative Learning Network Approach to Improvement: The CUSP Learning Network.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Collaborative improvement networks draw on the science of collaborative organizational learning and communities of practice to facilitate peer-to-peer learning, coaching, and local adaption. Although significant improvements in patient safety and quality have been achieved through collaborative methods, insight regarding how collaborative networks are used by members is needed. Improvement Strategy: The Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program (CUSP) Learning Network is a multi-institutional collaborative network that is designed to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and coaching specifically related to CUSP. Member organizations implement all or part of the CUSP methodology to improve organizational safety culture, patient safety, and care quality. Qualitative case studies developed by participating members examine the impact of network participation across three levels of analysis (unit, hospital, health system). In addition, results of a satisfaction survey designed to evaluate member experiences were collected to inform network development.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Common themes across case studies suggest that members found value in collaborative learning and sharing strategies across organizational boundaries related to a specific improvement strategy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The CUSP Learning Network is an example of network-based collaborative learning in action. Although this learning network focuses on a particular improvement methodology-CUSP-there is clear potential for member-driven learning networks to grow around other methods or topic areas. Such collaborative learning networks may offer a way to develop an infrastructure for longer-term support of improvement efforts and to more quickly diffuse creative sustainment strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, and Carey Business School, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Sallie J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Weaver
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lofthus
authors.forename: Melinda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sawyer
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Greer
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Opett
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Reynolds
authors.forename: Rhonda
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wyskiel
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Peditto
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Pronovost
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D006265:Health Care Coalitions; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007324:Institutional Management Teams; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007857:Leadership; D017145:Models, Educational; D015279:Organizational Culture; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D058996:Quality Improvement; D017751:Safety Management; D013192:Staff Development; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States