Nurses and other healthcare professionals have developed several evidence-based practice (EBP) models that aid in implementing EBP. These models serve as organizing guides that integrate the most current research to create the 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 patient.
Below you will find model definitions, essential steps, salient points, and information resources for the models to help identify the EBP model that best fits current, specific EBP needs (Christenbery, 2017).
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.
Essential Steps (Steps in this model are referred to as phases):
Salient Points to Consider:
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 and actions taken by stakeholders.
Essential Steps:
I. Assess barriers and supports:
II. Monitor intervention and extent of use:
III. Evaluate outcomes:
Salient Points to Consider:
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.
Essential Steps:
Salient Points to Consider:
ACE (Academic Center for Evidence-Based Practice) Star Model of Knowledge Transformation© (Kring, 2008; Stevens, 2004). The ACE Star Model aids in systematically integrating best evidence into practice as a framework. 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.
Essential Steps:
Salient Points to Consider:
Christenbery, T. L., PhD. (2017). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing: Foundations, Skills, and Roles (1st ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
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.Google Scholar
Graham, I. D., & Logan, J. (2004). Innovations in knowledge transfer and continuity of care. Canadian Journal of Nursing Research, 36(2), 89–103.Google Scholar
Kring, D. L. (2008). Clinical nurse specialist practice domains and evidence-based practice competencies: A matrix of influence. Clinical Nurse Specialist. 22(4), 179–183.Google Scholar
Rycroft-Malone, J. (2004). The PARIHS framework: A framework for guiding the implementation of evidence-based practice. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 19(4), 297–304. Google Scholar
Stetler, C. B. (2001). Updating the Stetler Model of research utilization to facilitate evidence-based practice. Nursing Outlook. 49, 272–279.Google Scholar