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Evidence-Based Clinical Fellowship Program
The notion of 'best-practice' is now central to the planning and implementation of health-care systems internationally. Most health services promote an evidence-based approach to 'best-practice' but many have largely focused on management systems, outcome standards and funding mechanisms and have ignored the notion of clinical governance; the potential impact of robust clinical leadership; and importance of harnessing the knowledge and content of the professional practice of health and social-service professionals. Although the current investment in organisational management, outcome measurement and funding processes will continue, the role of clinical leadership and best-practice approaches are likely to be increasingly recognised as important. An investment in developing clinical leaders, with skills in evidence transfer and change management acknowledges that health professionals have an obligation to access knowledge, apply this in practice, and lead others to use it appropriately.
Successful health services of the future will be those that pay attention to the constant search for information needed to guide practices, the development of clinical leaders, and the establishment and maintenance of a culture of improvement in everyday practice.
If the current focus on evidence-based practice is to lead to reductions in variability in practice, to cost savings (which flow from appropriate product use and best health outcomes), and to an improvement in health outcomes in general, a strategy is needed to develop clinical leaders, and to assist provider agencies to refocus on developing clinical leaders with a sound understandings of the principles of best-practice. There appears to be little coordinated, large-scale, international activity to address the apparent need for clinical leadership and evidence-based practice and the Joanna Briggs Institute Clinical Fellows Program takes an interdisciplinary, international approach to prepare a cadre of leaders skilled in promoting and supporting the adoption of evidence-based approaches in health and aged care.
The Clinical Fellowship Program aims at generating national awareness of the role of clinical leadership and at building capacity within existing workforces. The Clinical Fellowship Program commenced in 2005, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, and limited only to health professionals practicing in the field of aged care. In 2006, the program was expanded to include health professionals from any field of health care.
The program focuses on advanced education and training in practical approaches to identifying and using clinical evidence in health care, designed for motivated, clinically-focused practitioners
The program consists of:
- A stage 1 intensive training residency;
- The conduct of a clinical leadership project in the Fellow’s own practice site; and
- A stage 2 intensive training residency.
Stage 1 Intensive Training Residency
Fellows attend the Joanna Briggs Institute in Adelaide, Australia for a period of five days. During this period, Fellows attend the Joanna Briggs Institute two-day Evidence Utilisation Program and spend three days undertaking individualised training with the Institute staff. Fellows develop, during this period, a project proposal.
Clinical Leadership Project
Fellows design and implement an evidence-based improvement project in their own workplace, using the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) over a period of twenty two (22) weeks. During this period, JBI staff maintain contact with each Fellow.
Stage 2 Intensive Training Residency
In the last week of the fellowship period, Fellows spend a period of five days at The Joanna Briggs Institute in Adelaide, Australia. During this period, Fellows finalise their project report for publication and engage in a program of interactive discussion to specify the learning achieved and develop ongoing future plans.
Participants who successfully complete this program are also eligible to apply to:
- establish (with at least two other colleagues) a JBI Evidence Utilisation Group; and
- become a Member of the JBI Evidence Utilisation Network.
Program Fees
Tuition and course fees are AUS$10,000. Applicants are required to remit this fee prior to the date of commencement.
Scholarships
Some organisations offer scholarships to cover course fees. The Joanna Briggs Institute also offers a small number of scholarships that cover course fees and the cost of student-type hostel accommodation during the two, five-day intensive residencies in Adelaide; and the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing offers a small number of scholarships that cover all costs (course fees, travel, accommodation and subsistence) for health professionals practicing in the field of aged care.
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