Qualitative data can yield rich results to help guide evidence-based strategies for improving health care, especially in learning health systems (LHSs). But many qualitative methods and analytic processes can’t match the speed at which health care decision-makers must act. Published recently in the International Journal of Qualitative Methods, the new Rapid Group Analysis Process (Rap-GAP) is faster and more efficient than existing approaches, while also elevating diverse voices from key collaborators. In this Q&A, the ACT Center’s Clarissa Hsu and Jess Mogk share more about what makes Rap-GAP unique and how other LHSs can use it to inform timely, evidence-based decisions.

With support from the ACT Center and the Donald G. Miller, MD, Endowed Fund for Clinical Innovation, Kaiser Permanente Washington's Family Medicine Residency Program is leading a project to improve blood pressure control and address disparities in outcomes by loaning home blood pressure monitors to members and evaluating the impact. This blog from Collaborative Scientist Kelsey Stefanik-Guizlo describes promising early results — and how the ACT Center's strong relationship with the residency program paved the way for launching other endowment-funded projects to improve health equity within Kaiser Permanente Washington.

Soon after the ACT Center launched in 2021, the team prioritized the key goal of helping advance equity in health research — which led to the creation of a Checklist for Inclusive Communications to use across the center's many projects. Initially launched as an internal resource, the checklist is now available to anyone seeking guidance on language and design choices that promote inclusivity in research communications. In this Q&A, ACT Center Communications Lead Jessica Ridpath shares how the team developed the checklist, what it offers, and how a personal connection helped inform her work on this project.

Are you looking for a new opportunity to collaborate on research that transforms care and improves health for communities everywhere? Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWRHI) is actively recruiting a director for our Investigative Science Division, as well as investigators across several domains — including health equity, primary care, and mental health. Visit the Career Opportunities page on KPWHRI’s website to learn more.

Congratulations to ACT Center partners Yates Coley and Claire Allen on their recent awards

Led by the ACT Center's Paula Lozano, the CATALyST program has a top-cited paper in Learning Health Systems

ACT Center team members gather to celebrate Pride

Robert and several other ACT Center colleagues are looking forward to gathering next spring to support the Seattle/King County Clinic. Hosted at Seattle Center, this 4-day clinic brings together volunteers from across Washington state to provide free dental, vision, and medical services to any members of the community who have limited access to health care.

We'd love to hear what you're working on! Email us at act-center@kp.org.

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We at the Center for Accelerating Care Transformation would like to acknowledge that we are on the ancestral lands and traditional territories of the Puget Sound Coast Salish People.