Dr. Shelley Vanderhout is a Scientist in Learning Health Systems at Trillium Health Partners’ Institute for Better Health. Dr. Vanderhout’s primary focus is on co-developing evidence-based methods to establish, implement and advance learning health systems that are centred on patients and families. Her program of research engages patient, caregiver, and community partners to understand how they can be involved in co-design, priority setting, and knowledge translation in learning health systems. Dr. Vanderhout has developed a robust body of literature that informs how these partners can be equitably and meaningfully involved in research that informs health care. Her work also explores how digital health tools can impact the equity-focused Quadruple Aim: better health outcomes, good experiences for patients and providers, lower system costs, and equitable access to care for all.
Dr. Vanderhout trained as a registered dietitian at the Hospital for Sick Children and has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Toronto. She completed a CIHR Health Systems Impact Fellowship at the University of Ottawa and Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, where she focused on incorporating and evaluating digital health tools (e.g., virtual care, patient portals) in patient-centred care, and developing strategies for patient and family engagement in Learning Health Systems research.