Evidence-Based Practice in Africa

Linda C. Pugh, PhD, a York College professor of nursing, returned in August from 12 days in Kenya, Africa, where she was invited by the chief nurse at the Aga Khan University Hospital and School of Nursing to teach evidence-based practice (EBP). Pugh was joined by Barbara Buchko, MS, RN, a clinical nurse specialist at York Hospital.

“Barbara and I were able to show the importance of nursing schools and hospitals ‘crossing the street’,” she said. “Scholars can work with bedside clinicians to translate the best practices to patient care. Nurses can make their practice more scholarly by teaming with faculty and utilizing the resources in the nursing schools.” 

The first day of their trip, Pugh and Buchko taught administrators and faculty why it was important to use the best evidence available, in consultation with the patient, to decide upon which course of action would improve patient outcomes. The duo then led a workshops with bedside nurses, followed by an EBP project.

“We asked the nurses to work in groups to research and determine how they could do things better and more efficiently,” said Pugh. “The nurses were eager to learn what changes could be made based on facts and evidence.”

Pugh, who is back at York preparing for the upcoming fall semester, is looking forward to sharing her most recent international experience with her students. 

“I want my students to know that what we teach here at York is valued worldwide,” she said. “Students need to learn how to research and question why something is done a certain way (and if it could be done differently) before they move on to hands-on practice.” 

Pictured: Buchko (left) and Pugh (right) in Kenya wearing the scarves they received as gifts.