Spanish nurses' attitudes towards research and perceived barriers and facilitators of research utilisation: a comparative survey of nurses with and without experience as principal investigators

Attitudes, capacities and perceived barriers in research of nurses of the Canary Health Service

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the attitudes, capacities and perceived barriers associated with research among nurses and midwives of the Canary Health Service (SCS).

METHODS

Descriptive observational cross-sectional study with an analytical component carried out in the different SCS departments by means of an online survey in which sociodemographic and specific variables, the Spanish version of the Attitudes towards Research and Development within Nursing Questionnaire (ATRDNQ-e) instrument and the BARRIERS scale were collected. Authorisation was obtained from the two provincial ethics committees. A descriptive and inferential analysis (Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test, post hoc contrast by Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligne test) was performed with JAMOVI® v.2.3.24 software.

RESULTS

A total of 512 nurses and midwives with a mean age of 41.82 years participated in the study. Regarding the scores with the ATRDNQ-e instrument, the dimension with the lowest score was «Language of research» (mean = 3.55/SD = 0.84) and the highest «Assessment of nursing research and development of the nursing discipline» (mean = 4.54/SD = 0.52). The total mean score with the BARRIERS scale was 54.33 (SD = 16.52), with «Organizational characteristics» being the highest scoring subscale (mean = 17.25/SD = 5.90). The two highest perceived barriers were «Not enough time at work to implement new ideas» (mean = 2.55/SD = 1.11) and «Nursing does not have time to read research» (mean = 2.46/ SD = 1.11).

CONCLUSIONS

SCS nurses have a positive attitude towards research, although there are some barriers where improvement actions for nursing research should be implemented.

Motivation and Barriers to Research among Nursing Professionals in Southeast Spain

Background: Nursing research promotes quality care and is essential. Thus, it is important to acknowledge the main motivations and barriers that nursing professionals find in their work, the aim of this study was to establish the main aspects that motivate and make nursing research difficult, for nursing professionals; Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 91 nursing professionals. A validated structured questionnaire composed of 42 items that defined five domains was used. Descriptive and bivariant analyses were performed; Results: the highest scores were obtained for the domain of Knowledge and Preparation (33.79 ± 3.38), while the domain of Available Resources and Support obtained lower mean values (22.60 ± 5.61). Significant differences were found in two domains: Knowledge and Preparation and Professional Development domains, when regarding the service in which the participants were working (p < 0.05); in the Available Resources and Support domain, when regarding sex (p < 0.05), in the Motivations domain, regarding the number of children (p < 0.05); Conclusions: nursing professionals show a positive attitude towards nursing research. The nurses find motivation in their work environment, in the economic incentives, or in the possibility to improve their curriculum vitae. The main barriers are the lack of time, the lack of institutional support, and the lack of training, especially in languages, such as English. These findings could be useful to design programs to overcome these barriers.

Nurses’ Perceived Facilitators of Research Utilisation in a Multicultural Setting in Saudi Arabia: Observational Study

Facilitators of research utilisation are important in the implementation of evidence-based practice. Numerous facilitators for nursing practice have been identified, but knowledge of the impact of demographic characteristics on these enablers of research utilisation is limited. The study’s aim was to determine nurses’ perceptions of the facilitators of research utilisation and assess differences in the facilitator of research utilisation score based on nurses’ demographic characteristics. A total of 2650 registered nurses from five hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were recruited for participation. A facilitator scale and self-designed demographic survey were used for data collection. The number of completed questionnaires was 1824 (69%). The results showed that many of the participants were female, aged between 20 to 40 years, and were expatriates mainly from the Philippines. Most respondents were clinical nurses with 6 to 10 years of experience. Many of the nurses had a bachelor’s degree and a qualification from the Asian region. The mean total facilitator score was 26.1, with strong facilitators of research, including advanced education, providing colleague support, more clinically focused research and employing nurses with research skills. Recommendations for the facilitation of research utilisation include a strengthening of the research curriculum in nursing education programs as well as through continuing professional education.

The Experiences and Perceptions of Nurses Interacting With Research Literature: A Qualitative Systematic Review to Guide Evidence-Based Practice

BACKGROUND

There is an evidence that some nurses struggle with reading and using research. This struggle becomes a barrier to engaging in evidence-based practice (EBP). Personal beliefs, attitudes about research, and difficulties with research language and statistics have been reported as important variables in quantitative studies.

AIMS

The aim of this review was to explore nurses' experiences and perceptions of interacting with research literature for work or educational purposes.

METHODS

Studies eligible for inclusion were qualitative, published in English from years 2009-2020, and included registered nurses engaged in interaction with research literature for any work or educational purpose. The Joanna Briggs Institute's qualitative systematic review methods were used.

RESULTS

We included 11 qualitative studies with 186 participants. Most studies used focus groups or semi-structured interviews to collect data. Overall, study quality was moderate. We extracted 29 findings, which were synthesized into five categories, and meta-aggregated into one synthesis. Research is a complex field of engagement for nurses, who simultaneously value its contribution to their profession and feel the burden of unsupported expectations. Nurses perceive a double standard in their workplaces where expectations of using evidence in practice are often discussed, but EBP education and access to literature can be hard to access.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Educators conducting research education should consider the complex emotional reactions this activity may engender in participants who may feel unprepared by their previous experience or education. Clinicians and workplace leaders trying to encourage the use of evidence in practice should consider the source of any reluctance to engage. An observed lack of engagement in their staff may be related to issues with understanding the materials.

Military nurses' perspectives towards research utilization barriers

Objectives

Research utilization in nursing practice includes integrating research findings into clinical practice to guide nursing practice towards safe and effective clinical decision-making. However, nursing leaders are faced with barriers which hinder research utilization and hence create a gap between research and clinical practice. This study aimed to identify the barriers to research utilization as perceived by Jordanian Royal Medical Services nurses.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. A convenience sample of 365 nurses working with the Jordanian Royal Medical Services was recruited from three hospitals. The BARRIERS scale and a self-designed questionnaire were used for data collection, and descriptive statistics, t-tests, one way ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation were used to analyze the data.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 30 years. The majority of the participating nurses were female (62.5%), and 91.8% held a bachelor's degree. Overall, the greatest barrier to research utilization was related to the setting factor (mean = 3.01), followed by the presentation of research factor (mean = 2.86). Further, lack of time to read research identified as a top-ranked barrier among the individual items (m = 3.3). In addition, there were significant differences in the participants' mean BARRIERS scale scores based on age and hospital (p value = .002 and <.0001, respectively).

Conclusion

The study findings highlighted the need for organizational support, recognition, and encouragement of research utilization. Continuous education for nurses that focuses on research skills, knowledge, and awareness is also crucial.

Croatian Registered Nurses - Perception of Barriers to Research Utilization: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Despite positive effects of research utilization on improving the quality of care, nurses meet numerous obstacles when trying to bridge the gap between the theory and utilization of research findings in nursing practice. AIM: The study was conducted to identify barriers to research utilization in daily nursing practice among registered nurses in University Hospital Center Osijek, Croatia. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in University Hospital Center Osijek, Croatia in 2014. The study included 415 registered nurses, randomly selected. The BARRIERS Scale and a demographic data questionnaire were used to collect data. RESULTS: The study identified organizational barriers as major obstacles to implementing research findings. The items rated highest were “there is insufficient time on the job to implement new ideas” (78.2%), “nurse does not feel she/he has enough authority to change patient care procedures” (77.5%), “relevant literature is not compiled in one place” (72.1%), “physicians will not cooperate with implementation” (70.5%), and “nurse does not have time to read research” (70.4%). The item “relevant literature is not compiled in one place” belongs to communication subscale, while the other items belong to organizational barriers subscale. CONCLUSION: Registered nurses employed in University Hospital Center Osijek, Croatia perceived organizational barriers as major obstacles to research utilization.

Factors affecting research utilisation of nurses and midwives working in North Gondar and West Gojjam Zone public hospitals, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Research utilisation in clinical decision-making is crucial to enhance quality healthcare, professional development and cost-effective health service. Nurses and midwives have a vital role in research utilisation. However, many factors influence research utilisation of nurses and midwives.

OBJECTIVES

To determine research utilisation and identify factors that affect research utilisation among nurses and midwives.

METHODS

An institutional-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from 23 May to 30 June 2019. A total of 631 nurses and midwives participated in the study. Categorical variables were coded with dummy variables and multiple linear regression model was carried out. The level of significance was set at p value less than or equal to 0.05 with 95% CI.

RESULTS

Participants' total mean score in the research utilisation scale was 2.27 (SD±0.77) and their mean age was 28.41 (SD±4.71) years. The study revealed that 70.4% (444) of participants had poor research utilisation. Self-efficacy in research utilisation skills (B=0.86, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.97), support for research utilisation (B=0.4, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.55), attitude (B=0.23, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.38), barriers to research utilisation (B=-0.63, 95% CI -0.72 to -0.54), nursing/midwifery work index (B=0.07, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.11) and hospital's level of healthcare (B=4.5, 95% CI 2.13 to 6.9) were statistically significantly associated factors of research utilisation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed poor research utilisation among nurses and midwives. Barriers to research utilisation, supporting factors for research utilisation, attitude, self-efficacy in research utilisation skills, hospital's level of healthcare and nursing/midwifery work index were found to be statistically significant predictors of research utilisation. The most common barriers to research utilisation were insufficient time and inability to understand statistical terms used in research articles.

Identifying international barriers and facilitators to research utilization

PURPOSE

To define research utilization (RU) and identify barriers and facilitators to RU in nursing practice.

METHODS

An international integrative review of 42 studies was conducted related to barriers and facilitators of RU.

RESULTS

Following a review of the research that met the inclusion criteria, the author identifies common themes related to the implementation of research into clinical practice and the challenges surrounding RU.

CONCLUSION

Despite consistently perceived barriers to research among nurses from different geographic, cultural, and clinical backgrounds, practice changes are typically out of their hands. Further research is necessary to gauge perception among the nursing associations, regulatory bodies, healthcare organizations, policy makers, and managers responsible for implementing these changes.

In what ways does online teaching create a positive attitude towards research in nursing students studying a first year evidence-based practice undergraduate subject online?

Nursing research teaching is seen as central to nurse education and practice, but the impact of exposure to research teaching on students' attitudes towards research remains unclear. The aims of this study were to explore the attitudes towards research of undergraduate nursing students, before and after exposure to research teaching online. A further aim of this study was to better understand students' attitudes towards research, to inform future teaching strategies. This descriptive quasi-experimental study used pre-semester and post-semester data collected by means of an online questionnaire. The Attitudes Towards Nursing Research Scale measured student attitudes via 18 Likert items that assessed four domains: Research Abilities, Usefulness of Research, Personal Interest in Research and Using Research in Clinical Practice. There were no statistically significant changes in the overall Attitude Towards Research Scale. Individual item analysis did show statistically significant changes in two items: Understanding of research terminology increased (p = 0.001), but Intention to conduct research decreased (p = 0.035). This study generated evidence on attitudes of nursing students toward research before and after their exposure to a research subject. Research teaching online may be insufficient to effect a change in student nurses' attitudes towards research. SUMMARY OF RELEVANCE: Issue: Research is a foundational topic in undergraduate nursing curricula, but students often find the topic to be challenging to learn, while academics find it challenging to engage students in learning about research.What is Already Known: A validated instrument, Attitudes Towards Research, can be used to ascertain if teaching affects attitudes.What this Paper Adds: Overall attitudes of first year, second semester students did not change after experiencing a semester long introductory research subject. However, two item statements did show a statistically significant change, in disparate directions. Understanding of Research Terminology increased, while Intention to Conduct Research decreased.

Neuroimaging Methods for Nursing Science

BACKGROUND

Since the inception of magnetic resonance imaging, thousands of studies have appeared in the literature reporting on multiple imaging techniques. However, there is a paucity of neuroimaging research programs developed by nurse scientists.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this article is to introduce the nurse scientist to complex neuroimaging methods with the ultimate goal of creating impetus for future use of brain imaging in nursing research.

METHODS

This article reviews common neuroimaging methods, presents vocabulary frequently used in neuroimaging work, provides information on access to resources in neuroimaging education, and discusses considerations for use of neuroimaging in research.

RESULTS

Ten imaging modalities are reviewed, including structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and encephalography.

DISCUSSION

Choosing an imaging modality for research depends on the nature of the research question, needs of the patient population of interest, and resources available to the novice and seasoned nurse scientist. Neuroimaging has the potential to innovate the study of symptom science and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration in research.

[Perception of the quality of nursing research in a public hospital]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Nurses, as health professionals, play an important role in research, as progress in care and treatment could not be made without it. The aim of this study is to analyse the perception by nurses of the current research system in the whole of their hospital and, second, study how this perception varies according to their research profile, as well as their level of satisfaction and commitment to the organisation in which work.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in a third level hospital with a convenience sample of nurses with more than 6 months experience. The Group of Experts of the III Forum of Science of the Lilly Foundation questionnaire was used, adapting it to the characteristics of the population. The purpose of the questionnaire was to collect the perception and assessment, real and ideal, that nurses have on research. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed using the Student t-test.

RESULTS

In the sample of 295 nurses, the perception and assessment of the current situation of nursing research, its impact, its recognition, and its integration with nursing work were well below the ideal scores, obtaining statistically differences (P<.001). There was a significance in the values that recognise that more research is needed by nursing staff, the impact and recognition by management, and synergy with the pharmaceutical industry (P<.001). The level of satisfaction did not affect the assessment, the commitment of the nurses if it influenced their assessment of the research. No differences were found between the ICU staff and the other departments as regards the perception and assessment of nursing research.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses take the research as part of their functions and mention that the state of the research is very much improved. A support infrastructure is needed to strengthen research in care, as well as real recognition by institutions.

Barriers to the implementation of research perceived by nurses from Osakidetza

OBJECTIVE

To understand the barriers to implementing nursing research findings into practice, as perceived by the nurses working in Osakidetza and to analyze if the workplace factor and time worked affect the perception of these barriers.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study. BARRIERS Scale questionnaire was given to a representative sample of 1,572 Basque Health Service nurses, stratified and randomized, according to scope of work and job responsibility (response rate: 43.76%).

RESULTS

According to the research results, the first important barrier was "insufficient time on the job to implement new ideas". Nurses have perceived the organizational factor as the most important barrier in their practice. Nurses in "Special hospital departments" perceived more barriers in the "quality of research" factor than those working in "Primary Care". Years of service showed a slight influence.

CONCLUSIONS

The nurses stated that external factors related to the organization principally interfered in implementing results into clinical practice. They placed lack of critical reading training second. Working environment and seniority mark differences in the perception of barriers. This study may help to develop strategies for planning training programs to facilitate the use of research in clinical practice, in order to provide quality care.

Barriers and Facilitators of Utilizing Research Among Nurses in Nepal

BACKGROUND

This study determined the perceived barriers to and facilitators of Nepalese nurses in utilizing research in the workplace. Evidence-based nursing practice provides the synergy for high-quality patient care, but it does not seem to be the case in underdeveloped countries, such as Nepal.

METHOD

A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 97 nurses from Nepal was conducted. Data were collected using the BARRIERS Scale and a facilitator questionnaire.

RESULTS

The top three barriers to research utilization in Nepalese nurses are (a) research reports and articles are not readily available (80.5%), (b) inadequate facilities for implementation (75.3%), and (c) research reports and articles are not published fast enough (71.6%). The top three facilitators perceived to encourage Nepalese nurses to utilize or participate in research are (a) initiation of nursing research projects (27.4%), (b) educational update on research methods (16.7%), and (c) provision of funding for research (15.5%).

CONCLUSION

Findings from this study mirror the barriers to research utilization experienced by nurses in other countries. Macro- and micro-level support are needed to foster a culture of evidence-based practice among Nepalese nurses to empower them in making informed decisions based on research in providing quality patient care.

Investigating critical care nurses' perception regarding enteral nutrition

BACKGROUND

Evidences showed that nurses lack the needed knowledge to administer nutritional care. Besides, nutritional information was found to be incomplete in patients' record, and nurses' responsibilities regarding EN were not well understood. In Jordan, literature regarding nurses' perceptions of EN is scarce.

AIM

To investigate critical care nurses' perceptions regarding enteral nutrition (EN) of critically-ill adult patients.

METHODS

A descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative design was used to collect data from 151 Jordanian critical care nurses utilizing the Nurses' Perception of Enteral Nutrition Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Nurses in private hospitals scored the highest in regard to responsibility and support from documentation. Education, internet, and nursing school were the primary sources of EN knowledge. Besides, female nurses differ significantly from male nurses in regard to the perception of responsibility of EN.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of responsibility, supportive documentation system, and implementation of the current evidences of EN in the actual daily practices can be used to improve EN practices.

Nurses’ Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Implement EBP in the Maldives

This study aims to explore the barriers to evidence based practice (EBP) experienced by nurses working in a Maldivian healthcare organisation. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed to nurses in 5 healthcare facilities and 198 completed questionnaires were returned. The results of this study show that the perceived barriers by the nurses in the Maldives are not significantly different from those reported in developed countries. For healthcare organisations in the Maldives, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the barriers and facilitators to research practice in order to implement EBP. The study showed that the major barriers to research use were that “the relevant literature is not compiled in one place,” there is “insufficient time on the job to implement new ideas,” and “administration will not allow implementation.” The key facilitating factors for EBP include support, encouragement, and recognition by the management and administration. The findings of this study can be useful for determining strategies that can be introduced in the clinical setting to use EBP. Healthcare organisations must continue their support in order to decrease the barriers and optimise care in healthcare facilities.

Nurse awareness of clinical research: a survey in a Japanese University Hospital

BACKGROUND

Clinical research plays an important role in establishing new treatments and improving the quality of medical practice. Since the introduction of the concept of clinical research coordinators (CRC) in Japan, investigators and CRC work as a clinical research team that coordinates with other professionals in clinical trials leading to drug approval (registration trials). Although clinical nurses collaborate with clinical research teams, extended clinical research teams that include clinical nurses may contribute to the ethical and scientific pursuit of clinical research.

METHODS

As knowledge of clinical research is essential for establishing an extended clinical research team, we used questionnaires to survey the knowledge of clinical nurses at Tokushima University Hospital. Five-point and two-point scales were used. Questions as for various experiences were also included and the relationship between awareness and experiences were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among the 597 nurses at Tokushima University Hospital, 453 (75.9%) responded to the questionnaires. In Japan, registration trials are regulated by pharmaceutical affairs laws, whereas other types of investigator-initiated research (clinical research) are conducted based on ethical guidelines outlined by the ministries of Japan. Approximately 90% of respondents were aware of registration trials and clinical research, but less than 40% of the nurses were aware of their difference. In clinical research terminology, most respondents were aware of informed consent and related issues, but ≤50% were aware of other things, such as the Declaration of Helsinki, ethical guidelines, Good Clinical Practice, institutional review boards, and ethics committees. We found no specific tendency in the relationship between awareness and past experiences, such as nursing patients who were participating in registration trials and/or clinical research or taking a part in research involving patients as a nursing student or a nurse.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that clinical nurses have only limited knowledge on clinical research and the importance to have chances to make nurses aware of clinical research-related issues is suggested to establish an extended research team. Because of the study limitations, further study is warranted to determine the role of clinical nurses in establishing a suitable infrastructure for ethical pursuit of clinical research.

The divide between "evidenced-based" approaches and practitioners of traditional theories of family therapy

Evidenced-based approaches continue to grow in the field of family therapy. However, practicing family therapists do not always embrace these approaches. In this article, we explore factors contributing to practitioners' concerns with evidence-based treatments and suggest a broader, more clinically palatable view of evidenced-based treatment. We also suggest how family therapy researchers, practitioners, and educators might begin to close the researcher-clinician divide in the best interest of all concerned.

Psychometric evaluation of a questionnaire and primary healthcare nurses' attitudes towards research and use of research findings

AIM

This article investigates attitudes towards and awareness of research and use of research findings among primary healthcare nurses, determinants of attitudes and evaluation of psychometric properties of an instrument measuring nurses' attitudes.

BACKGROUND

The production of new knowledge is ongoing and the amount of research of relevance for health care has increased, but there remains a gap between what is known and what is done in practice. To enhance evidence-based practice and patient safety, the use of research findings needs to be encouraged and promoted.

METHOD

An explanatory study using a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2005-2006. The survey included items about background data and the instrument attitudes towards and awareness of research and development in nursing. 1054 nurses participated in the study. Factor analyses and Cronbach's alpha were used to evaluate internal structure and internal consistency of the instrument.

RESULT

The nurses generally held positive attitudes towards research. Although most of the nurses reported using research in practice, 37% claimed that they never or rarely used research findings. Half of the respondents perceived they had the ability to analyse scientific reports/articles. This ability and research use were significant determinants of attitudes. Factor analysis of the scale resulted in a three-factor solution, which differs from the seven-factor structure previously identified by the originators of the instrument.

CONCLUSION

Our results support the view that implementation of research is a complex process involving several factors. The different factor structure identified suggests that further work is needed on this instrument.

Clinical nurses' attitudes towards research, management and organisational resources in a university hospital: part 1

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine clinical nurses' interest in and motivation for research. An additional aim was to identify management and organisational resources in order to improve nurses' research capacity in practice.

BACKGROUND

Clinical nurses find conducting research challenging, which accords with observations of the continuing research-practice gap.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional survey sampled 364 clinical nurses from a university hospital on the west coast of Norway.

RESULTS

The response rate was 61%. An increasingly positive attitude towards research emerged (40%), despite the fact that few were engaged in research-based activities. Clinical nurses emphasised that lack of designated time (60%), interest (31%) and knowledge (31%) constituted important research barriers, as did lack of research supervision and support (25%). Research supervision was one of the most significant needs to enhance clinical nurses' research skills, management and organisation of research activities (30%).

CONCLUSION

Conscious efforts strategically built on clinical and academic collaborative networks are required to promote and sustain clinical nurses' research capacity.

IMPLICATION FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

The findings of this survey should be useful in the building of clinical nurses' research capacity.