Changing the Face of Health Care in a Global Society: Sustaining EBP in Wound Care: An International Collaboration in the Philippines

The prevalence and incidence of wounds has reached epidemic proportions, and there is a global priority to provide wound care that is evidenced-based. However, there are areas across the world that has significant gaps in evidence-based practice (EBP), and populations experience disparity in wound care.  Studies have identified specific barriers that impede knowledge acquisition and the translation of evidence into practice for health care professionals.  This study explored strategies to diminish barriers using Leffers and Mitchell’s Conceptual Framework for Partnership and Sustainability in Global Health Nursing. The overarching purpose was to develop a sustainable program of wound care education, therefore closing the gap in EBP. The research question for this study examined the effectiveness and sustainability of an online wound care course for a Filipino medical team working in rural and urban barangays (communities) in the Philippines.  The Precede-Proceed model was utilized as a framework for planning and designing the quality improvement study.  Following the path of this logic model, stakeholders were recognized and needs identified, which led to sequential steps in designing and implementing an online course.  Additionally, this framework provided a structure for formative and summative evaluation throughout the study.  The outcomes of this study indicated that development of an accessible program of education could contribute to translation of evidence in wound care practice and quality outcomes for the patient.  The social impact was evident by the successful partnership of nurses from two separate countries, leading to a sustainable program of wound care education that will contribute to nursing knowledge and supports nurse professionals in a challenging health care environment.