Barriers to research utilisation among nurses in Turkey

Aim and objective. This study was conducted to identify barriers to research utilisation in practice among nurses in Turkey. Background. It is clear from the nursing literature that there are several factors that can impede the use of research in practice. It is important that these are identified and addressed. Design. Survey. Method. This descriptive study was carried out with 216 nurses from government and private hospitals in Izmir between January-April 2007. The data collection instrument used for the study consisted of the Barriers to Research Utilization Scale and a self-administered questionnaire form that contained demographic data, educational background and nurses' involvement in research activities. Results. More than half of the nurses did not receive research education before graduation, and 85.2% did not receive an in-service education. Only 58.3% of nurses give great importance to research, and 24.5% are interested in research. Involvement in research activities is inadequate. Five out of the top 10 barriers were related to 'setting', three to 'nurse' and two to 'presentation'. Educational level, undergraduate research education and involvement in research activities were predictor factors of perceived barriers to research utilisation. Conclusions. Identifying the barriers to research utilisation is the first step in overcoming the barriers. It is hoped that research capability in the health care field in Turkey can be enhanced. Creating an organisational climate that values research use and supports nurses to participate in such activities is crucial. Relevance to clinical practice. The study findings provide key factors and the top barriers to research utilisation to nurse administrators in developing strategies to increase the utilisation of research findings in clinical practices.