Nurses and other healthcare professionals have developed several evidence-based practice (EBP) models that aid in the implementation of EBP. These models serve as organizing guides that integrate the most current research to create best patient care practices. In addition to helping nurses integrate credible evidence into practice, EBP models help assure complete implementation of EBP projects and optimize the use of nurses’ time and healthcare resources. No single EBP model can meet the needs of every organization and every patient situation. Therefore, we are providing model definitions, essential steps, salient points, and information resources for the models to help readers identify the EBP model that best fits their current, specific EBP needs.
Model Definition | Essential Steps | Salient Points to Consider |
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Iowa Model of EBP (Titler et al., 2001). The Iowa Model focuses on the entire healthcare system (e.g., patient, practitioner, infrastructure) to implement and guide practice decisions based on best available research and evidence. |
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Stetler Model (Ciliska et al., 2011; Stetler, 2001). The Stetler Model enables practitioners to assess how research findings and other pertinent evidence are implemented in clinical practice. The model examines how to use evidence to create change that fosters patient-centered care. | Steps in this model are referred to as phases. Phase I. Preparation: Identify a priority need. Identify the purpose of the EBP project, context in which the project will occur, and relevant sources of evidence. Phase II. Validation: Assess sources of evidence for level and overall quality. Determine whether source has merit and goodness of fit and whether to accept or reject the evidence in relation to project purpose. Phase III. Comparative Evaluation/Decision Making: Evidence findings are logically summarized and similarities and differences among sources of evidence are evaluated. Determine whether it is acceptable and feasible to apply summation of findings to practice. Phase IV. Translation/Application: Develop the “how to’s” for implementation of summarized findings. Identify practice implications that justify application of findings for change. Phase V. Evaluation: Identify expected outcomes of the project and determine whether the goals of EBP were successfully achieved. |
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Ottawa Model of Research Use (Graham & Logan, 2004 Graham et al., 2006). The Ottawa Model is an interactive model that depicts research as a dynamic process of interconnected decisions made and actions taken by stakeholders. | The model is composed of three phases: (a) Assess barriers and supports. (b) Monitor intervention and extent of use. (c) Evaluate outcomes. Subsumed under the three phases are six designated primary elements that must be considered when integrating research into practice:
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Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARiHS) Framework (Rycroft-Malone, 2004). The PARiHS Framework provides a method to implement research into practice by exploring the interactions among three key elements: (a) evidence, (b) context, and (c) facilitation. |
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ACE (Academic Center for Evidence-Based Practice) Star Model of Knowledge Transformation© (Kring, 2008; Stevens, 2004). As a framework, the ACE Star Model aids in systematically integrating best evidence into practice. The model has five major stages that depict forms of knowledge in relative sequence. Research moves through the cycles to combine with other forms of knowledge before integration into practice occurs. | Five Stages:
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Advancing Research and Clinical Practice Through Close Collaboration (ARCC) (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). |
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Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model (JHNEBP) (Newhouse, Dearholt, Poe, Pugh, & White, 2007). The JHNEBP Model applies a problem-solving approach to clinical decision making. The model is designed to meet the EBP needs of direct care nurses using an uncomplicated three-step process referred to as PET: (a) Practice Question, (b) Evidence, and (c) Translation. |
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Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) Process Framework (Graham et al., 2006). The KTA is a model of knowledge creation and knowledge integration. | Phases:
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Ciliska D., DiCenso, A., Melynk, B. M., Fineout-Overholt, E., Stettler, C. B., Cullent, L., … Dang, D. (2011) Models to guide implementation of evidence-based practice. In B. M. Melnyk & E. Finout-Overholt (Eds.), Evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare: A guide to best practice (2nd ed., pp. 241–275). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters-Kluwer.
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Graham, I. D., & Logan, J. (2004). Innovations in knowledge transfer and continuity of care. Canadian Journal of Nursing Research, 36(2), 89–103.
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Graham, I. D., Logan, J., Harrison, M., Straus, S., Tetroe, J., Caswell, W., & Robinson, N. (2006). Lost in knowledge translation: Time for a map? Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 26(1), 13–24. doi:10.1002/chp.47