Contextual factors to registered nurse research utilisation in an Australian adult metropolitan tertiary intensive care unit: A descriptive study

Abstract

BackgroundOrganisational and unit-level context can have a significant impact on implementation of evidence in practice, the latter being particularly important in the complex intensive care context. Evaluating the context may allow modifiable characteristics to be identified and addressed. ObjectivesThe objective was to examine the relationship between dimensions of the context and research utilisation in one intensive care unit. MethodsThis study used a quantitative cross-sectional survey. All registered nurses working in one Australian quaternary referral hospital intensive care unit were surveyed using the Alberta Context Tool and research utilisation instrument. Descriptive statistics were used, and bivariate analysis was undertaken to determine associations among demographic data, dimensions of context, and research utilisation. ResultsThe survey response rate was 33% (67/205). Most respondents were women with a mean of 8 years of intensive care nursing experience. The dimensions of culture, evaluation, informal interactions, structural/electronic resources, and organisational slack (time and space) were positively correlated with research utilisation. ConclusionsResearch utilisation was associated with numerous context dimensions, emphasising their effect on knowledge translation in this setting. Intensive care nurses are in a unique position to impact care delivery and provide evidence-based care to ensure optimal outcomes to patients at high risk of morbidity and mortality. Identified dimensions may be targeted and developed in future strategies to optimise the context for translating evidence into this complex practice environment.