Setting a research agenda to promote nursing research.

This study is a first step in the process of focusing research efforts in a developing nursing research program. A two-round Delphi technique, a method for formulating consensus, was employed to address the aim of organizationally reaching consensus regarding nursing research priorities. Questionnaires were mailed to "experts," defined as all registered nurses within the division (N = 634). Round 1 respondents identified 609 different research items, which were then sorted and categorized into a 100-item Round 2 questionnaire. Research directives and program planning will center around the priority areas.