The uptake of research evidence: a systematic review of nursesʼ experiences of using research evidence in their practice

Abstract

Review question/objective The objective of this systematic review is to critically appraise and synthesise the best available evidence regarding the uptake of research evidence in clinical practice as experienced by nurses. This review seeks to answer the following questions: 1. What are the experiences of nurses in relation to the uptake of research into clinical practice? 2. What factors do nurses report as helpful in the uptake of research evidence into clinical practice? 3. What factors do nurses report as limiting the uptake of research evidence into clinical practice? Inclusion criteria Types of participants This review will consider qualitative studies that include all nurses working in any type of health care setting, including acute (hospitals), primary (community health), mental health and aged care. For the purpose of this review, the generic term ‘nurses’ will include registered nurses, enrolled nurses and assistants in nursing. The aim is to be as inclusive as possible and allow for global variations of nurse positions. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest This review will consider studies that investigate the experience of nurses regarding the uptake of research evidence into clinical practice, including clinical decision making or clinical judgement. The term ‘clinical decision making’ for this review will describe any organisational aspects that influence decision making. The term ‘clinical judgement’ will describe the ‘different grounds for making judgements’. 20 (p. 1506) Additionally, for this review the terms research uptake or utilisations and evidence-based practice will be used interchangeably as they all represent the aspect of incorporating research evidence into clinical practice. Types of outcomes This review will consider any subjective accounts by nurses describing their experiences, either positive or negative, in relation to the uptake of research evidence into clinical practice.