Creating a practice-related culture for research: A qualitative study of engaging clinical nurses in utilization of developmental and research-based knowledge in hospital settings

Aim To describe academic nurses' experiences engaging clinical nurses in utilizing and implementing developmental and research-based knowledge in hospital settings. Methods This study used a descriptive qualitative design. Fourteen academic nurses at Masters or PhD level from three different regions of Denmark participated in the study, relating their successful experiences engaging clinical nurses in utilizing and implementing developmental and research-based knowledge. Data were collected in February 2020 through qualitative semi-structured interviews and analysed using a qualitative manifest content analysis. Results The main theme revealed was that academic nurses were 'Working towards creating a practice-related culture for research' to engage clinical nurses. This was supported by three subthemes: 'Focusing on evidence-based practice knowledge', 'Facilitating knowledge through a pedagogical approach' and 'Aiming for future changes'. Conclusions The academic nurses experienced their engagement of clinical nurses and the subsequent change of practice in patient care and nurses' workflows in the department settings, as successful due to the academic nurses' pedagogical actions to educate clinical nurses and due to the academic nurses' practice-related approach to research and implementation.