A Legacy of Innovation

University of Iowa Health Care’s evidence-based practice (EBP) journey began in 1986 with a project focused on improving pain management. This work laid the foundation for a culture that challenged tradition-based practices and embraced evidence as the basis for clinical decision-making.  

In 1989, leaders from University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and the University of Iowa College of Nursing established the Office for Nursing Research Development and Utilization, creating a formal infrastructure for advancing nursing research and evidence-based practice.

The 1990s: Building a Culture of Evidence

During the 1990s, visionary nursing leaders expanded the organization's commitment to research utilization and evidence-based care. Influential nurse scholars helped shape a culture focused on translating research into practice and improving patient outcomes.

A major milestone occurred with the development of the Iowa Model of EBP, first published in 1994. The model provided healthcare teams with a practical framework for implementing evidence-based changes and became one of the most widely recognized EBP models in the world.

Another important achievement was the launch of the National EBP Conference in 1994, creating a forum for clinicians and researchers to share innovations and advance EBP knowledge.

The decade concluded with national recognition through Sigma Theta Tau International's Research Utilization Award, honoring Iowa's leadership in applying research to clinical practice.

2000-2009: Expanding Knowledge and Impact

The early 2000s marked significant growth in EBP education and implementation.

  • Key milestones included:
  • Launch of the EBP Staff Nurse Internship in 2001.
  • Creation of the Advanced Practice Institute in 2002.
  • Introduction of the Nurse Residency Program in 2009.

During this period, evidence-based projects produced measurable improvements in patient care, quality, safety, staff satisfaction, and cost reduction. Examples included reductions in ventilator-associated pneumonia, improvements in sedation management, reductions in device-related pressure injuries, and enhanced care processes across multiple specialty areas.

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics also expanded its influence nationally and internationally by mentoring organizations seeking to build their own EBP programs.

2010-Present: Continuing to Blaze New Trails

Building on decades of success, University of Iowa Health Care has continued to advance the science and practice of EBP through new resources, tools, and implementation strategies.

Important innovations have included:

Shared governance structures have empowered staff nurses to serve as EBP champions and leaders. Programs such as the Skin Advocate and Resource (STAR) Committee have contributed to substantial improvements in patient outcomes, including dramatic reductions in hospital-acquired pressure ulcers.

Global Influence

Today, University of Iowa Health Care’s EBP program continues to influence healthcare organizations throughout the United States and around the world. Through the Iowa Model, educational programs, conferences, publications, and implementation resources, University of Iowa Health Care has helped countless clinicians and organizations build cultures of evidence-based care.

What began as a commitment to questioning tradition and improving practice has grown into an internationally recognized legacy of innovation, scholarship, and healthcare improvement.