The attention to improve global health has developed significantly in the last decade through the introduction of dedicated scientific journals such as the International Journal of Evidence-Based Health Care, BMJ Quality and Safety and others. Furthermore, the ongoing involvement of major research funding bodies such as the National Health and Research Council, the Australian Research Council, the Canadian Institute of Health and Research and the National Health Institute in the United States and other organizations around the world have helped to fund important research projects to achieve equality in healthcare in their respective countries.1

Implementation of research findings across healthcare services will improve global health. This can be achieved through a scientific approach to understand how knowledge is translated into healthcare practice, management and policy to achieve the best health outcomes globally. As clinicians and researchers are engaged in providing and improving healthcare through different measures, many focus on targeting specific health profession groups, healthcare organizations or specialized clinical areas. A narrow targeted strategy may limit our progression in improving healthcare globally. The diversity of our disciplines in research, education and practice should enrich and strengthen our efforts to improve healthcare globally through engaging experts from a variety of disciplines, including behavioural economics, management science and systems engineering, to develop new models of care. We seek improved healthcare that effectively and equitably serve all people globally.2

Recognizing the culture differences between populations and achieving culture competency is also essential in reducing the health disparities experienced by many individuals worldwide. Evidence suggests that both health professionals' leadership and diversity in institutional training are core areas to be targeted to improve healthcare globally. Leadership must be cohesive and supportive at executive levels and diffused throughout the various layers of the organizations. Diversity training must be embedded in programs across healthcare settings and should aim to raise awareness of the different health needs of patients.3

Creating international links between researchers and clinicians is essential in enhancing scientific discussion and creating a debate on how to establish a shared vision between stakeholders to provide scientific knowledge on how to improve healthcare globally.4

Other considerations for a successful research agenda to improve global health include: a defined target audience, identification of key research areas, context, understanding behavioural determinants, an implementation strategy and evaluation of change strategies, testing theories and other issues such as sustainability, knowledge infrastructure and workforce.5

The 9th Biennial 2014 Joanna Briggs Colloquium theme 'Scaling new heights' provides an international forum to discuss and challenge several beliefs around global health. The Colloquium focuses on improving healthcare globally through exploring some contemporary issues including; e-health as an innovative method for expanding evidence based practice and its impact on global health, revitalizing the fundamentals of care in the 21st Century, shared decision making and patients' engagement in chronic disease management.

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