Celebrating 25 years of impact

For 25 years JBI and its international collaboration have been driving global improvements in the quality and outcomes of healthcare by promoting and supporting the synthesis, transfer and implementation of evidence into healthcare policy and practice, guided by JBI’s approach to evidence-based healthcare (EBHC).

In 1996, JBI was established as a joint initiative between the University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital. Today, JBI is an international research organisation in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Adelaide that develops and delivers unique evidence-based information, software, education and training designed to improve healthcare practice and health outcomes globally.

JBI's approach to evidence-based healthcare is unique. For the past 25 years JBI has been a pioneer in redefining what is recognised as clinical evidence, advocating for the use of the best available evidence that considers the feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness and effectiveness of healthcare practices.

The widespread impact of the work of JBI, both in Australia and worldwide, is attributable to our local and global partnerships that ensure evidence-based activities are context-specific and driven by individuals and groups that understand their specific health environments.

“Improving health outcomes globally through promoting and supporting evidence-based healthcare requires complex, multifaceted solutions. But at the end of the day, it’s all about the people. People will always form the core of why health and care exists, and people are integral to ensuring we can access, appraise and apply the best available evidence to inform decision making” says Prof Zoe Jordan, JBI Executive Director.

In celebration of our 25th Anniversary, we are honouring and profiling the impact stories of JBI stakeholders--our people.These impact stories highlight how an activity, project or intervention informed by the JBI Model of Evidence-Based Healthcare contributed to changes in health policy, guidelines, clinical practice or health outcomes.

“As we arrive at this important milestone, we cannot look ahead without recognising the contributions and dedication of everyone who has contributed to JBI’s mission and vision. It is our hope that these stories and conversations will continue to spark new heights of innovation and closer collaborations as we look forward to the next 25 years”, says Prof Jordan.

When viewed cumulatively, these Impact Stories provide a rich insight into how different individuals and organisations have adopted JBI’s approach to EBHC, what has changed and how, the positive, contextual and challenging experiences and outcomes, and lessons learned from their work in EBHC. Most importantly they capture and amplify the voices of those individuals working to improve health outcomes worldwide through evidence-based healthcare.

“Perhaps more than any other event over the past quarter-century, the COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated the motivation and ability of our people, partners and organisation to respond to serious global health challenges. We are not only facing the future, we are embracing the future. Our vision of better evidence, better outcomes and brighter future (for everyone) is our driving force, and we continue to do whatever it takes to create impact in healthcare globally”, says Prof Jordan.