Research utilization and the continuing/staff development educator

Abstract

Current health care imperatives and the continuous explosion of information and technology present new challenges for continuing/staff development educators as the nursing profession reinvents itself during the current crisis in health care. This turbulent health care environment necessitates utilization of current research findings to maintain the continued efficient and effective functioning of nursing staff. Familiarity with recent research utilization projects and models and barriers perceived to impede research utilization can assist the continuing/staff development educator to bridge the gap between knowledge generation and knowledge utilization.