Using a Delphi Survey to Develop Clinical Nursing Research Priorities Among Nursing Management.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify clinical nursing research priorities among nurse managers (NMs).

BACKGROUND

Determining research priorities is the 1st step toward building a solid evidence base for clinical practice. NMs are well poised to identify research priorities, and yet, a literature review revealed a dearth of research priorities as determined by clinical NMs.

METHODS

Using a Delphi survey, 38 NMs were queried at a large, urban hospital regarding critical priorities for nursing research.

RESULTS

Critical priorities for clinical nursing research included nursing workforce/nursing workflow and communication (categorized as critical by 68% and 53% of NMs, respectively). Other important priorities focused on falls/patient safety/hospital-acquired infections, patient/family satisfaction, emergency preparedness, patient outcomes, and collaboration/interdisciplinary research.

CONCLUSIONS

Because NMs are positioned to direct clinical research agendas, the results provide a critical guide for policy development surrounding nursing research. Directing research toward these identified topics will help build a solid evidence base for nurses and ultimately improve patient outcomes.