Using a Delphi Survey to Develop Clinical Nursing Research Priorities Among Nursing Management

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify clinical nursing research priorities among nurse managers (NMs). BACKGROUND: Determining research priorities is the 1st step toward building a solid evidence base for clinical practice. NMsare well poised to identify research priorities, and yet, a literature review revealed a dearth of research priorities as determined by clinical NMs. METHODS: Using a Delphi survey, 38 NMs were queried at a large, urban hospital regarding critical priorities for nursing research. RESULTS: Critical priorities for clinical nursing research included nursing workforce/nursing workflow and communication (categorized as critical by 68% and 53% of NMs, respectively). Other important priorities focused on falls/patient safety/hospital-acquired infections, patient/family satisfaction, emergency preparedness, patient outcomes, and collaboration/interdisciplinary research. CONCLUSIONS: Because NMs are positioned to direct clinical research agendas, the results provide a critical guide for policy development surrounding nursing research. Directing research toward these identified topics will help build a solid evidence base for nurses and ultimately improve patient outcomes.