Predictors of nurses' perceptions of barriers to research utilization

Abstract

Aim: To identify predictors of nurses' self-reported barriers to using research findings in clinical practice.

Background: Several studies have shown that nurses perceive barriers to research utilization but to our knowledge predictors of nurses perceptions of barriers to research utilization have not been identified before.

Methods: Three questionnaires were answered by 833 nurses: the Barriers Scale, the Quality Work Competence questionnaire and a questionnaire including questions on professional issues.

Results: Dissatisfaction with support from immediate superiors for participating in research and/or development projects, having no academic degree and unclear and unrealistic workplace goals were identified as factors increasing the risk of perceiving barriers to the use of research findings in clinical practice.

Conclusions: The results imply that head nurses, nursing managers and other health care leaders should create strategies for supporting nurses' professional development and possibilities to implement research findings in clinical practice.

Implications for nursing management: To support research utilization and evidence-based care health care leaders, head nurses and nurse managers should create clear and realistic goals for the work place including demands on evidence-based care. It is also important for head nurses and nurse managers to create strategies for supporting nurses' professional development and possibilities to implement research findings in clinical practice.