What are evidence-based practice models in nursing?

From the Guidelines

Evidence-based practice models in nursing, such as the Iowa Model, ACE Star Model, Johns Hopkins Nursing EBP Model, Stetler Model, and ARCC Model, provide a structured framework for integrating research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences into healthcare decision-making, ultimately improving healthcare quality, patient safety, and clinical effectiveness. These models have been shown to be effective in improving patient outcomes, reducing practice variations, and decreasing healthcare costs 1. The Iowa Model, for example, offers a step-by-step approach to identifying triggers for practice change, forming teams, gathering evidence, and implementing and evaluating changes, which can lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced morbidity and mortality 1. Some key features of these models include:

• Identifying triggers for practice change
• Forming teams to gather evidence and implement changes
• Evaluating outcomes to ensure improved patient care
• Incorporating patient values and preferences into decision-making
• Fostering a culture of evidence-based practice within healthcare organizations The use of these models can help nurses to systematically evaluate research, consider clinical context, and incorporate patient values into their practice, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and improved quality of life 1. For instance, a study published in 2021 found that the use of evidence-based practice models in nursing can lead to improved patient health status outcomes, reduced resource use and expenditures, and enhanced nurse knowledge and practice 1. Overall, the use of evidence-based practice models in nursing is essential for improving patient outcomes, reducing morbidity and mortality, and enhancing quality of life.

From the Research

Evidence-Based Practice Models in Nursing

• The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice is a widely used framework for implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing, as discussed in 2, 3, 4, 5.
• This model provides a systematic approach to promoting excellence in healthcare by linking practice changes within the system, with major changes including expansion of piloting, implementation, patient engagement, and sustaining change 2.
• The Iowa Model has been revised and validated through a systematic multi-step process, capturing information from the literature and user feedback, and has been found to be a practical tool for the EBP process across diverse settings 2, 3.
• The model has been applied in various clinical settings, including oncology nursing, to implement practice changes and improve patient care 4.
• Other studies have also highlighted the importance of evidence-based practice in nursing, including the need for interventions to enhance medication adherence, although the effectiveness of these interventions can be inconsistent and complex 6.

Key Components of Evidence-Based Practice Models

• The Iowa Model includes steps such as topic priority, critique, pilot, and institute change, which can be problematic for users, as identified in 2.
• Patient engagement and sustaining change are also crucial components of evidence-based practice models, as discussed in 2, 4.
• The use of evidence-based practice models can help nurses to deliver high-quality care and improve patient outcomes, as highlighted in 3, 5.

Applications of Evidence-Based Practice Models

• The Iowa Model has been used in various clinical settings, including oncology nursing, to implement practice changes and improve patient care 4.
• Evidence-based practice models can be applied in diverse settings, including hospitals, community health organizations, and academic institutions, to promote excellence in healthcare 2, 3.
• The use of evidence-based practice models can help to address complex healthcare issues, such as medication adherence, and improve patient outcomes, as discussed in 6.