The University of Iowa has been a leader in evidence-based practice (EBP) for more than three decades. Our work is grounded in the belief that healthcare decisions should be informed by the best available evidence while also considering patient preferences, value-based care, diversity, implementation science, regulatory standards, and resource stewardship.
Through innovative programs, practical tools, educational offerings, and global partnerships, we help nurses and healthcare professionals improve patient outcomes, strengthen clinical decision-making, and create lasting practice change.
Our Impact
The University of Iowa's EBP program has influenced healthcare organizations around the world through:
- Development of the Iowa Model Revised: EBP to Promote Excellence in Health Care©, one of the most widely used EBP frameworks internationally.
- Educational programs that have trained hundreds of clinicians and leaders from organizations across the United States and around the world.
- A nationally recognized Evidence-Based Practice Conference that has welcomed thousands of participants from numerous states and countries.
- Development of practical tools and resources that help organizations implement and sustain evidence-based care.
- Demonstrated improvements in quality, patient safety, patient and family experience, staff satisfaction, and healthcare costs.
The Iowa Model
The Iowa Model was developed to guide clinicians through a systematic process for identifying clinical questions, evaluating evidence, implementing practice changes, and measuring outcomes. Since its original publication in 1994, the model has evolved to meet the changing needs of healthcare and continues to be used by clinicians, researchers, and healthcare organizations worldwide.
Resources and Tools
The EBP program develops and shares practical resources to support clinicians and organizations, including:
Programs and Educational Opportunities
Advanced EBP Institute
Designed for nurse leaders, advanced practice providers, educators, and EBP mentors, this program focuses on implementing and sustaining evidence-based changes within healthcare organizations.
Annual EBP Conference
The University of Iowa Health Care's annual conference brings together clinicians, leaders, educators, researchers, and students to learn, share innovations, and advance evidence-based healthcare.
EBP Training Guide
This training guide provides organizations with a comprehensive framework for developing the knowledge, skills, and infrastructure needed to support EBP. Grounded in the Iowa Model, the training program is designed to help organizations build EBP capacity, prepare frontline clinicians to lead practice change, and strengthen a culture of evidence-based care.