Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used.

Population: All beside nurse clinicians in an adult Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit (62 received a survey and 58 returned the completed survey).

Concept: An understanding of the bedside nurse population and the perceived barriers that prevent them from participating in research is essential to close the gaps between bedside clinicians and the delivery of evidence-based care.

Methods: In January, 2003, participants were given a validated research questionnaire to evaluate their demographics, education, involvement in research, attitudes about research and knowledge barriers to participating in research. These results were compiled and reviewed. An extensive literature search was then performed to better understand the barriers reported by the nurses and how other organizations had addressed these barriers.

Results: No literature was found that reported a sustainable program which adequately addressed these barriers. The primary roadblocks reported both in the literature and by the nurses were: 1. Lack of research skills (i.e. searching the literature, asking ‘why’, etc.); 2. Nurses feel isolated from knowledgeable research colleagues, either because they are unavailable or ‘talk a different language’; 3. Nurses have no extra time to participate during their day or outside of work; 4. Nurses feel ‘powerless’ to change practice because it feels ‘daunting’.

Conclusions/Implications: Barriers reported by bedside ICU nurses and supported in the literature would need to be effectively addressed in order to develop a sustainable research program.

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Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004