The incorporation of a model when making practice changes is very important for several reasons. Dearholt and Dang (2012, p. 33) indicate that using an appropriate model can help ensure projects better align with the organization where they are being implemented.  Selecting an appropriate model to use is an important step in the process.  Buckwalter et al. (2017, p. 181) discuss that the Iowa Model may be especially useful for healthcare providers trying to make evidence-based practice changes because it can help users to identify current research and focus on the results from a patient perspective.   Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt (2015, p. 278) explain that the use of models can help clarify and guide changes throughout the process which should ultimately lead to better patient care.

Effort and Benefit

           The use of a change model requires both time and effort.  However, the risks of not using a change model are significant and could potentially lead to a less than optimal result.  Helping to ensure the success of a project that will benefit health outcomes for patients is worth the effort.  Dearholt and Dang (2012, p. 60) explain, that questions being addressed by EBP projects are important and the use of a model can help ensure that the time and energy are not wasted.  

Conclusion

           Careful selection of a change model is an important step when undertaking EBP projects.  As nurses, we have a responsibility to work toward improving patient outcomes as well as working to further nursing research.  The use of change models can help accomplish both goals and therefore is vital to the process.

References

Buckwalter, K. C., Cullen, L., Hanrahan, K., Kleiber, C., McCarthy, A. M., Rakel, B., … 

           Tucker, S. (2017). Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice: Revisions and 

           validation. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 14(3), 175–182. doi:

           10.1111/wvn.12223

Dearholt, S. L. & Dang, D. (2012). Johns Hopkins Nursing evidence-based practice: Models and

           guidelines (2nd ed.). Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau International.

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2015). Evidence-based practice in nursing and 

           healthcare: A guide to best practice (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health