Research evidence utilization barriers among camp health care providers and administrators

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ABSTRACT Summer is a critical developmental period for children and adolescents, with camps serving as key environments for promoting healthy development. However, integrating research evidence into camp health care practices faces notable challenges. This study examined barriers to research evidence utilization among 155 camp health care providers and administrators. We found that camp health care providers and directors frequently access research evidence from health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and professional camp organizations such as the Alliance for Camp Health and the American Camp Association. Several barriers to research evidence utilization were identified, including the lack of compiled relevant literature, insufficient time to implement new ideas and read research, unclear implications for practice, complex statistical analyses, and delays in research publication. Our findings highlight the need for more accessible and practical research dissemination strategies within the camp community. Addressing these barriers could enhance the integration of evidence-based practices in camp health care, ultimately improving the quality of care and outcomes for camp participants. Future efforts should focus on providing targeted training and support to camp health care providers to facilitate the practical application of research findings in their daily practices.