Staff Nurses' Use of Research to Facilitate Evidence-Based Practice

• Published in: The American journal of nursing 2014-09, Vol.114 (9), p.26-37
• Main Authors: Yoder, Linda H, Kirkley, Debra, McFall, D Curk, Kirksey, Kenn M, StalBaum, Angela L, Sellers, Diana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Evidence-based nursing; Health services utilization; Medical research; Nurses; Nursing care; Staff
• ISSN: 0002-936X; 1538-7488
• DOI: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000453753.00894.29

Here, Yoder et al determine to what extent RNs in an acute care multihospital system used research findings in their practice; what types of knowledge they used in their practice; and what personal, professional, and organizational factors enhanced or hindered their research utilization. Although a variety of resources were available for nurses to use in locating research and implementing EBP, respondents reported many of the same barriers that have been reported in other studies over the last two decades: lack of time, lack of resources, and lack of knowledge. Although their attitudes about research utilization and evidence-based practice (EBP) were positive overall, respondents expected unit-based educators and clinical nurse specialists to collect and synthesize the research for them. These findings are similar to those of other recent studies regarding nurses' research utilization and EBP. A great deal of work remains to be done if we are to inform, educate, and assist staff nurses in using research and implementing EBP. It may be unrealistic to expect bedside nurses to add these activities to their duties unless they are compensated for the time and have the support of master's or doctorally prepared nurses to serve as EBP coaches and champions.