Public health nursing research priorities: a collaborative Delphi study.

The purpose of this study was to identify research questions and priorities in public health nursing based on the perceived needs of practicing public health nurses, and to assess whether the respondents believed that the profession should provide leadership in the study of the identified questions. Using a modified Delphi survey, 76 research priorities were ranked and produced three factors or categories of questions during the two rounds: outcomes in maternal-child and family planning, outcomes in home health services, and public health nurse recruitment, retention, job satisfaction, and image. Forty-seven (62%) of the 76 priorities were deemed appropriate for nursing to assume leadership in seeking answers. Results reveal a consensus of research priorities generated by front-line nurses consistent with year 2000 health objectives for the nation.