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.