The experts have developed various models based on evidence-based practices for the benefit of the patients. IOWA, which was developed in the “University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics” in the 1990s is one of the important models. It has eight steps.
The first step of IOWA is the recognition of the trigger, which requires an EBP change. The second is the assessment of the nature of the priority (Burns, 2020). Then a team is formed to implement the program. The fourth step is the actual research, which usually uses PICO (T) method. Then literature is reviewed for better solutions. In the sixth step, the validity of the suggested solution is assessed. A pilot program to implement the change is initiated. In the eight-step, the findings of the pilot program are assessed before its wider implementation.
The EBP models can be used to implement changes. The management needs to find the problem and the relevant model. Then the selected model might guide the staff to solve the recognized issue.
The IOWA model has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is very detailed, involving eight steps; therefore, it is comprehensive. On the flip side, it might take time to implement. This model was implemented in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital (labor and delivery units) at “Ain Shams Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital” (El Sharkawy, 2020). The results proved that the model is effective as its implementation resulted in improved knowledge of nurses bearing positive results for patients (El Sharkawy, 2020).
It is clear that the IOWA model is an important discovery in evidence-based practices. The model has eight distinct steps. The organizations should implement the model, keeping in mind its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is the model is comprehensive to implement the desired changes in practices. The disadvantage is a lengthy procedure, which might be very time-consuming in some cases.
References
Burns, A. (2020, October 30). LibGuides: Cabarrus College: IOWA Model. Cabarruscollege.libguides.com. https://cabarruscollege.libguides.com/c.php?g=465666&p=5283295#:~:text=IOWA%20Model%20was%20developed%20at
El Sharkawy, A. T. A. E. W. (2020). Application of Iowa Model Evidence-Based Practice on Maternity Nurses Regarding Postpartum Hemorrhage. Journal of Critical Reviews, 7(05). https://doi.org/10.31838/jcr.07.05.183
