A survey of research-related activities and perceived barriers to research utilization among professional oncology nurses.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To identify nursing staff members' current research-related activities, knowledge of research utilization, and perceived barriers to using research in practice.

DESIGN

Descriptive, cross-sectional survey design with self-report questionnaires.

SETTING

National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center located in a mid-Atlantic metropolitan area.

SAMPLE

Convenience sample of 82 registered nurses employed in the cancer center who completed and returned the questionnaire; the majority had baccalaureate degrees or higher, were an average of 33 years old, were nurses for a mean of 8.8 years, and worked at the center a mean of 5.6 years.

METHODS

Four-part, 38-item, self-report questionnaires were distributed to nursing staff and a leadership group by members of the departmental Nursing Research Committee; respondents returned completed questionnaires to designated locations in the center.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Knowledge and attitudes about research utilization, perceived barriers to using research in practice, and current research-related activities.

FINDINGS

Most respondents were familiar with the concept of research utilization and found research to be of value to their practice. They cited a number of barriers to using research findings and reported little participation in research-related activities. Advanced clinical practitioners with master's degrees tended to participate more frequently in research-related activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Although nurses appeared to be aware of research utilization and value it, they perceived barriers to using research findings in practice and did not routinely participate in research-related activities. The findings support other research in this area and reveal educational needs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The findings provided baseline information for a departmental research utilization program and suggested strategies and activities that could be incorporated into the program.