Rapid Action & Learning Intensives (RALI)

The Rapid Action Learning Intensive (RALI) is a new learning tool we've developed to spread and scale the successful change ideas discovered in our learning collaboratives. We piloted our first RALI in summer 2023, based on the Foundations of Equity learning collaborative. We made changes to the model based on participant feedback and officially launched our first RALI the following spring.

Initially, RALI-SDD was piloted as a synchronous learning opportunity that distilled the learnings from the Foundations of Equity Learning Collaborative into a series of easily operationalized steps to follow to improve sociodemographic data collection rates. Based on learnings from that pilot, RALI is now offered as a self-directed program that teams can work through at the pace that best suits them. 

Although self-paced and self-directed, RALI is a coach-supported learning model. Participating teams get access to online modules, a workbook, curated external resources, and the dedicated support of an Alliance Quality Improvement Coach. The online modules and the workbooks are made available in both English and French. External resources are provided in the languages available. 

To learn more or sign up, email QI@AllianceON.org. Currently, RALI is available to Alliance-member organizations only. 

The Rapid Action and Learning Intensive on sociodemographic data (RALI-SDD) is an initiative that aims to support centres to adopt, adapt, and apply the learnings from the Foundations of Equity Learning Collaborative.

RALI-SDD was launched in Spring 2024, with a focus on improving sociodemographic data completeness. The program guides primary health care teams through the implementation of a validated process for collecting high-quality, useable sociodemographic data; properly inputting it in their EMR; and using EMR data for testing and learning. 

The first phase of any improvement effort is goal-setting. RALI-SDD begins by helping teams create a SMART quality improvement goal related to sociodemographic data collection. It then leads them through documenting and analysing their existing process, so they can understand what changes are necessary. 

The data collection process at the heart of RALI-SDD, which we refer to as the 7-Step Process,  was informed by learnings from our Foundations of Equity learning collaborative. Each of the 7 steps includes both "tight" (must-do) and "loose" (variable) elements. For example, giving each client a sociodemographic data form is a tight step, it has loose elements which include who gives the form to the client, what is the order or layout of the questions on the form, what format the form is in, and how the form is shared with the client. Participating teams develop their own, customized version of the process by optimizing the loose elements.

After a team customizes their 7-step process, RALI guides them through testing their new process with iterative plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles, based on the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's (IHI) Model for Improvement. Teams implement the process on a small scale, then monitor their sociodemographic data completeness and usability to determine how well the process is working for them. Based on the results of that testing, they may proceed to scale up the process or adjust some of the loose elements.

The final phase of RALI-SDD is to transition from testing to implementation of the 7-Step Process across  each participating organization. Drawing from implementation science, the COM-B theory of change and the Centre for Implementation's StrategEase, we created a collection of tools that can help participating teams build their implementation plan. 

RALI-PROMs is set to launch in late Winter or early Spring, 2025. It is intended to help Alliance member organizations implement the EQ-5D tool for collecting PROMs data. It will follow a similar structure to RALI-SDD, supporting teams as they set a SMART goal, customize a process by optimizing the loose elements, iteratively test and improve their process, and then implement the process across their organizations. Based on our learnings from RALI-SDD, we are implementing a bit more structure this time around, with a series of scheduled learning sessions from January through October, where teams will come together to discuss their progress and support each other. However, teams still have the option of working through RALI-PROMs in a self-paced manner, without attending these sessions.