Simply knowing is not enough—knowledge in and of itself does not necessarily lead to action for the better. Similarly, research or innovation, even when rigorous and relevant, does not automatically result in improved care or health. In fact, it is estimated that globally, 85% of the billions of dollars spent on health research are wasted because the research is not sufficiently usable or not put into practice.

Hence, BISI is established to bridge the know-do gap through world-class research and education on behavioural and implementation sciences, thereby more fully realising the benefits of evidence-based care for individuals, organisations and systems. BISI’s education efforts begin with those who are already working in health and social care sectors, supporting them to translate research into practice and policy more effectively and sustainably.

BISI offers a continuing education and training (CET) course over two half-days, on the fundamentals of behavioural and implementation sciences for healthcare. Behavioural science is about understanding, predicting and influencing human behaviour. Implementation science is the systematic study of methods and strategies that facilitate the uptake and integration of research findings and evidence-based practice into routine use by practitioners and policymakers, whether in clinical or public health settings. BISI is unique in bringing together the two sciences for synergistic impact, while looking after the ‘art’ side of doing, ensuring that the desired outcomes are brought about in ways that are culturally fitting to this part of the world.

The lead trainer of the CET course is Associate Professor Robyn Mildon, Visiting Associate Professor at NUS Medicine, who is an internationally recognised figure in implementation science, evidence synthesis, knowledge translation, and programme and policy evaluations in health, education and human services. Her work spans multiple countries, including Singapore, helping to advance the implementation of better evidence in policy and practice settings.

Briefly, the course covers the following content:

Participants have ample opportunities to ask questions and take part in group discussions, applying the learnings using real-life case studies.

Building on the fundamental-level CET course, BISI plans to commence an intermediate-level CET course on behavioural and implementation sciences for healthcare in 2024, along with other education offerings.

All courses by BISI are highly interactive. Classes are mainly held in person, to take full advantage of opportunities to engage, network and collaborate with trainers and peers, with some online sessions still available to better meet the needs of students.

To date, the course has run twice. An upcoming session is happening on 29 and 30 November 2023. Click here to subscribe to BISI’s latest updates, including course dates, events and new initiatives.

Past participants are mostly frontline healthcare professionals—doctors, nurses, pharmacists, healthcare researchers and administrators, and entrepreneurs.

100% of past participants who provided feedback on the course

–	state that concepts and skills gained from the course are useful for their jobs.
–	would recommend the course to others.

Click here to continue reading ‘Take 5: Q&A with Professor Nick Sevdalis’.

This column is dedicated to the pursuit of continuous learning and development and takes its name from the banyan tree. It has roots that grow deep, anchoring it firmly in the soil. The tree spreads its shade wide and far and provides space for reflection and discussion. We invite you to come and take a seat under its shade.