Evidence-based practice training for health professionals in the Philippines

Abstract

Janine Margarita Dizon,1,2 Ryan Joseph Dizon,3 Jocel Regino,4 Alberto Gabriel51Center for Health Research and Movement Science,University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines; 2International Centre for Allied Health Evidence, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia; 3College of Nursing, University of Santo Tomas, 4Apolinario Mabini Rehabilitation Center, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, 5Department of Internal MedicineOspital ng Maynila, Manila, PhilippinesAbstract: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is integral in the health care system whether in developed or developing countries. Thus, all health professionals need to be trained in EBP. An EBP training program was conducted to health professionals in a developing country, the Philippines. The health professionals (medical doctors and allied health professionals [physical therapists and occupational therapists]) were working in hospitals in Manila, Philippines. The program aimed to build capacity in EBP in terms of knowledge and skills. The EBP training program was conducted as a 1-day face-to-face training. Pre- and post-test measures of EBP knowledge and skills were taken prior to and immediately after the 1-day training, using the Fresno test of evidence-based medicine for the medical doctors and the Adapted Fresno test for the allied health professionals. The EBP training program resulted in significant improvements in knowledge and skills for both the medical doctors (change in pre- and post-Fresno test measures, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.6–23.5; P≤0.05) and the allied health professionals (change in pre- and post-Adapted Fresno test measures, 95% CI: 32.7–38.5; P≤0.05). The EBP training conducted amongst the health professionals is an effective and tested undertaking in introducing EBP in developing countries such as the Philippines.Keywords: continuing education, developing countries physical therapy, medicine, knowledge and skills