On November 22, 2024, the Filipino Nursing Diaspora (FiND) Network hosted a collaborative meeting with 13 JBI Fellows from the University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute in Sydney. Facilitated by the JBI Global Office, the meeting focused on building partnerships to advance evidence-based healthcare and Universal Health Care (UHC) initiatives.
The Filipino Nursing Diaspora (FiND) Network is a global organization committed to empowering Filipino nurses worldwide through education, advocacy, and collaboration. FiND promotes professional excellence, addresses healthcare challenges, and fosters meaningful partnerships across disciplines and borders. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), based at the University of Adelaide, is a world leader in evidence-based healthcare research. Its global fellowship program equips healthcare professionals with skills to synthesize and implement research into practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
The JBI Fellows, composed of Filipino nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals, recently completed their Australia Awards Fellowship on Evidence Synthesis in Universal Health Care. This intensive two-week program provided them with advanced training in systematic reviews, exposure to Australia’s dynamic healthcare research environment, and opportunities to expand their professional networks.
“This collaboration underscores the transformative power of shared expertise and multidisciplinary teamwork,” said Prof. Violeta Lopez, President of the FiND Network. “By engaging with the JBI Fellows, we are forging a path toward improving healthcare systems through research and evidence-based practices tailored to the unique needs of diverse populations.”
During the meeting, discussions revolved around potential joint initiatives, including co-authored research projects, workshops on evidence-based healthcare, and the development of culturally appropriate healthcare frameworks. Both groups emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to address global health disparities and enhance UHC efforts.
The fellows also shared insights from their Australia Awards Fellowship experience, reflecting on the skills and knowledge gained and their commitment to integrating evidence-based practices in their respective fields.
This meeting highlighted the shared commitment of FiND and JBI Fellows to fostering innovation and improving healthcare globally. Through ongoing collaboration, both organizations aim to create meaningful, lasting impacts in research, education, and healthcare delivery.
