Iowa Model vs. Star Model: Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
This paper examines two prominent models of evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing — the Iowa Model of Research-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care and the ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation — exploring their similarities and differences in research utilization, clinical application, and theoretical orientation. Drawing on foundational definitions of EBP and primary sources from nursing scholarship, the paper compares how each model guides nurses in synthesizing research evidence and applying it to clinical decision-making. The discussion concludes by connecting the use of EBP frameworks to potential solutions for the ongoing nursing shortage in the American healthcare system.
- Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing: Defines EBP and introduces both models
- The Iowa Model of Research-Based Practice: Origins and clinical focus of Iowa Model
- The ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation: ACE Star Model's theoretical knowledge framework
- Comparing Research Utilization Across Both Models: Side-by-side comparison of research synthesis approaches
- EBP Models and the Nursing Shortage: EBP as a response to nursing shortage
✍️ How to write this paper — guide, tools & examples ▾
What makes this paper effective
- Uses authoritative primary definitions to anchor comparisons — the Sackett et al. definition of EBP grounds the entire discussion before model-specific analysis begins.
- Maintains a balanced parallel structure throughout, presenting each model's position on the same issues (research synthesis, clinical application, theoretical grounding) before drawing comparative conclusions.
- Connects an academic theoretical comparison to a real-world policy concern — the nursing shortage — giving the analysis practical relevance beyond pure model description.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper demonstrates comparative analysis by consistently measuring both models against the same criteria — empirical review, clinical applicability, and theoretical orientation — rather than describing each model in isolation. This allows the conclusion that the two models are "focused on practice and theory respectively" while remaining linked by EBP implementation to emerge organically from evidence rather than assertion.
Structure breakdown
The paper opens with an introductory paragraph that defines EBP, introduces both models with scholarly citations, and states the paper's purpose. A single extended body paragraph then draws point-by-point comparisons, citing primary sources for each model. A references section in APA format closes the paper. Despite its compact length, the argument moves clearly from definition to comparison to conclusion.
Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
A growing consensus has emerged within the field of modern nursing which holds that the most effective patient care is delivered through the use of evidence-based practice (EBP) by nurses and other healthcare providers. Although there are several distinct models of evidence-based practice, each typified by its varying approach to research utilization, EBP has been authoritatively defined as "the integration of the best research with clinical expertise and patient values" (Sackett et al., 2000). Two of the most prevalent models of EBP throughout the nursing profession are the Iowa Model and the Star Model, and each relies on a unique philosophy regarding the factors used to guide the implementation of academic research into clinical application.
The Iowa Model of Research-Based Practice
Conceived by Marita G. Titler, PhD, RN, FAAN and her colleagues, the model officially known as the Iowa Model of Research-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care was "developed and originally implemented at University Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC)" and "serves as a guide for nurses and other health care providers to use research findings for improvement of patient care" (Titler et al., 2001). One of the critical components of the Iowa Model is that it "facilitates the application of empirical evidence to clinical practice" (Taylor-Piliae, 1999), and this model is decidedly premised on the clinical application of lessons gleaned from prior research.
The ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation
In contrast, the Star Model of Knowledge Transformation® — originated by the Academic Center for Evidence-Based Practice (ACE) — is a "model for understanding the cycles, nature, and characteristics of knowledge that are utilized in various aspects of evidence-based practice (EBP)," which "organizes both old and new concepts of improving care into a whole and provides a framework with which to organize EBP processes and approaches" (Stevens, 2004). The Star Model holds that "knowledge transformation is necessary before research results are useable in clinical decision making" and is primarily concerned with the theoretical applications that may be developed by placing "nursing's previous scientific work within the context of EBP" (Stevens, 2004).
Comparing Research Utilization Across Both Models
It has been consistently demonstrated that "a professional work environment that engages and optimizes the empirical and theoretical foundations of nursing can advance patient health and safety" (Pipe, 2007), and both the Iowa and Star models advocate a thorough review of existing empirical evidence by the nursing discipline. The Iowa Model employs a rigorous standard of research utilization which strives "to identify areas of clinical inquiry (problem- and knowledge-focused triggers) that may be addressed through synthesis and application of research findings" (Titler et al., 2001), a system which encourages nurses to review, critique, and adopt the work of their peers.
Likewise, the second point of the Star Model's five-point system is termed Evidence Summary and advises nurses "to synthesize the corpus of research knowledge into a single, meaningful statement of the state of the science" using "the most advanced EBP methods to date" (Stevens, 2004) in the realm of clinical practice. Both models share this strict adherence to the review of existing research because "nursing, medicine, and the allied health fields each possess a body of knowledge, which together inform evidence-based health care" (Spector, 2003), and this knowledge necessarily informs and enhances modern nursing's approach to existing cases.
References
Pipe, T. B. (2007). Optimizing nursing care by integrating theory-driven evidence-based practice. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 22(3), 234–238.
Sackett, D. L., Straus, S. E., Richardson, W. S., Rosenberg, W., & Haynes, R. B. (2000). Evidence-based medicine: How to practice and teach EBM. Churchill Livingstone.
Spector, N. (2003). Evidence-based nursing regulation: A challenge for regulators. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 1(1), 30–37.
Stevens, K. R. (2004). ACE star model of EBP: Knowledge transformation. Academic Center for Evidence-Based Practice, University Health Science Center at San Antonio. Retrieved from www.acestar.uthscsa.edu
Taylor-Piliae, R. E. (1999). Utilization of the Iowa Model in establishing evidence-based nursing practice. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 15(6), 357–362.
Titler, M. G., Steelman, V. J., Budreau, G., Buckwalter, K. C., & Goode, C. J. (2001). The Iowa Model of evidence-based practice to promote quality care. Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America, 13(4), 497–509.
Create your account
Always verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.