Vet vi vad vi talar om? Forskningsanvändning inom omvårdnad

Abstract

It is a well known problem that research findings do not reach the point of care delivery to the desired extent and increasing knowledge about research utilization is therefore urgent. The concept of research utilization is however used and interpreted in different ways which makes comparisons between studies and disciplines difficult. The aim of this study was to clarify the concept of research utilization by examining clinicians' perceptions and descriptions of it. Nine focus groups were carried out with direct and non-direct nursing care providers. Definitions of instrumental/direct and conceptual/indirect research utilization were presented to the participants. The results highlight that different individuals have diverse perceptions of the same concept and that there are risks of misconceptions of research utilization. The participants' descriptions and examples of instrumental and conceptual research utilization support the interpretation that these forms interact with each other and that research utilization is taking place along a continuum between these two forms. Based on the findings a proposal on how to conceptualize research utilization in the Swedish language is offered.