Should Australia's hospitals be reviewing the use of research in patient care by nurses, managers and allied health professionals?--A systematic review of recent evidence.

Abstract

Recently published studies were systematically reviewed to determine whether use of research in clinical practice by nurses, managers and allied health professionals in hospitals is currently sub-optimal, the factors influencing this and possible remedial strategies. The better studies confirmed that use of appropriate research is currently sub-optimal. The nature of the research and access to it is partly responsible for this. However, adoption of research findings is also currently hindered by factors inherent in hospitals and by the skills and attitudes of potential users of the research. Numerous remedial strategies have been suggested and hospitals could take responsibility for implementing many of them. However, most have yet to be evaluated. Studies into the use of research findings by nurses, managers and allied health professionals in Australian hospitals and trials of remedial strategies are recommended.