# The critical role of parents within a Learning Health Network

## TL;DR

This paper highlights the importance of involving parents in a pediatric health network to improve care and outcomes for children with chronic illnesses.

## Contribution

The paper emphasizes the novel integration of parents as active partners in a Learning Health Network.

## Key findings

- Parents contribute to quality improvement projects and governance in the network.
- Parent involvement leads to better care and outcomes for children with chronic illnesses.
- Parents help develop tools and initiatives like Treat-to-Target and self-management supports.

## Abstract

Parent members of the Pediatric Rheumatology Care & Outcomes Improvement Network are an integral part of the Learning Health Network's work. Since early in the creation of the network, they have been a part of every Quality Improvement project, committee, and work group and have a role in governance on the Executive and Steering Committees. Members of the Parent Working Group (PWG) have played a role in developing QI measures used in the clinical setting as well as initiatives and projects like the guiding work of Treat-to-Target. The PWG also creates self-management supports, including toolkits for families and patients at all stages of life. This article will discuss how integrating parents as partners in a pediatric Learning Health Network is critical for the quality of care received by children with chronic illnesses and to improving outcomes.