Background: The importance of EBP in nursing has gained recognition in Japan. However, knowledge and strategy to promote and implement EBP have not been widely applied. An initiative developed with the goal of applying EBP models and resources to fit health care and nursing care in Japan. The Iowa Model was selected as the framework for the EBP process. The EBP Implementation Guide and book with resources and tools provided direction for application. An approach that can be beneficial is developing strategic partnerships among practice and academics. The partnership built upon existing expertise to expand application of EBP in academic and practice settings across Japan.
Process: A team of experts at Chiba University, Tokyo Medical and Dental University and Bukkyo University in Japan reviewed EBP process models and recognized the need for emphasis on implementation to achieve improved practice and outcomes. The team selected the Iowa Model and EBP Implementation Model as frameworks for the collaboration. To initiate the partnership an international EBP expert was invited as a visiting professor. Key leaders participated in advanced training in the U.S. and reflected upon application in Japan. Translation of tools and resources into Japanese is underway. Development of a memorandum of understanding facilitates communication and clear commitments for the partnership.
Results: Deliverables are carefully considered to reflect identified needs for the Japanese nursing community. Criteria for selection of EBP models were developed. Educational programs focused on application in both academia and practice settings. Program reach built upon recognized experts among the Japanese nursing community. Discussions built a collaboration that could function through open sharing of resources. A key deliverable is development of a Japanese translation of resources for application of EBP.
Additional findings include that some planning and project management was required in order to promote application of EBP models and implementation of EBP in Japan. The EBP implementation process was adapted for use within academicians’ clinical nursing research as a part of clinical nursing education which often carried out medical institutions in Japan. Clinical nurses were the target audience for adoption to improve practice and outcomes.
Next Steps: The collaboration is on-going and next steps include the implementation and evaluation of the intervention study which adopted the EBP process in clinical nursing research for the chief nurses and staff nurses working at the convalescence rehabilitation hospitals in Japan. This study is on-going and is due to be ended by March, 2017. After evaluation, a modified EBP model according to actual condition of Japan is being developed based on the Iowa Model and the EBP Implementation Guide and book.
Conclusion: Provision of evidence-based health care is a global priority. Organizations and experts can create collaborations that become effective partnerships. Learning was a positive experience for nurses in Japan and the U.S. Building upon existing expertise creates a win-win for nurses and patients in both countries.
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