An appraisal of research utilization across the United States

Abstract

The success of research utilization (RU) is a function of how well it has been incorporated into the cultural norm of the organization. The authors describe current and future nursing research utilization activities in various clinical agencies across the United States and identify barriers and facilitators to those activities. The most frequent RU projects focused on pressure ulcers and pain management. Barriers included lack of resources, organizational culture, change, and nurses' education. Facilitators were leadership commitment, available resources, and a supportive organizational culture.