Research Utilization In Practice Research Articles

Research-based practice: myth or reality? A review of the barriers affecting research utilisation in practice

A research-practice gap still exists despite the promotion and strategies for research-based practice by governments and nursing organisations. Hunt (1981 Journal of Advanced Nursing 12:101–110) and Walsh and Ford (1989 Nursing rituals: research and rati onal action. Butterworth-Heinemann) report a wealth of anecdotal evidence to support the failure of nurses to use research in practice. A body of evidence confirms that the number of identified barriers to research utilisation is great. Drawing on the wo rk of Rogers (1983 Diffusion of innovations. The Free Press, New York) or the Barriers Scale (Funk et al. 1991a Applied Nursing Research 4(1):39–45), many authors (Dunn et al. 1997 Emergency Nurse 5(2):24–27; Walsh 1997a 1997b Nursing Standard 11(19):34– 37; 1997c Nursing Standard 11(29):34–39; Kajermo et al. 1998 Journal of Advanced Nursing 27(4):798–807; 2000 Journal of Advanced Nursing 31(1):99–109; Parahoo 2000 Journal of Advanced Nursing 31(1):89–98) have structured the barriers into sub-groups: the characteristics of the organisation, of the adopter, of the communication and of the research. Several studies reveal that the actual 'setting' poses the greatest barrier to the utilisation of research. Walsh (1997b) describes this as a paradox, in othe r words: practice is perceived as the biggest obstacle to change in practice. A systematic approach to research utilisation is outlined aimed at targeting these specific identified barriers, and third level institutes and practice settings are urged to c onsider strategic and focused approaches to the development of research plans.

A study of the utilization of research in practice and the influence of education

This paper reports part of a multi-phase study which aimed to investigate the extent to which nurses utilize research and to identify factors associated with research utilization. The findings presented examine the influence of education upon research utilization. Firstly, a survey of registered nurses working in general medical and surgical wards in Scotland was conducted. 680/936 (72.6%) nurses returned self–report questionnaires to measure the level of utilization of 14 research based practices and assess the presence of potential influencing factors. This was then followed up through interviews with a sub-sample of nurses. An association was found between a higher educational level and research utilization. The nurses reported that in courses as opposed to study days, they were expected to engage in study and read and complete course work whereas attendance at study days could be an entirely passive experience and was often more of a morale booster. Nurses who read at least one journal regularly, had had more study leave, or had attended research courses also had a higher level of research utilization.

The RU-3 project: Research utilization in practice

The RU-3 project: Research utilization in practice

Emerging patterns of enterprise-based research and organisational development in vocational education and training providers

Restructuring of vocational education and training in Australia has been characterised by marketisation and, in Victoria, by significant decentralisation of educational provision. This has resulted in the formation of increasingly autonomous VET enterprises that require a knowledge base for informing enterprise decision making and development. This article presents some findings from a 1997 consultancy which sought to investigate this trend towards enterprise-based research, and its articulations with system reform and operational activity in a sample of 17 VET providers in Victoria. The project found evidence of enterprise-based research in the whole sample VET providers. The character of this research, and its linkages with enterprise operations were diverse. However, there appeared to be three distinct views of enterprise-based research, each of which articulated with a generic model of organisational development. These were: an informal, network-based, model; an instrumental strategic planning model; and a more internally motivated capacity building model. The data suggested that enterprises could move from the strategic planning model to the capacity building model if the practical utility of research was recognised.

Emerging patterns of enterprise-based research and organisational development in vocational education and training providers

Restructuring of vocational education and training in Australia has been characterised by marketisation and, in Victoria, by significant decentralisation of educational provision. This has resulted in the formation of increasingly autonomous VET enterprises that require a knowledge base for informing enterprise decision making and development. This article presents some findings from a 1997 consultancy which sought to investigate this trend towards enterprise-based research, and its articulations with system reform and operational activity in a sample of 17 VET providers in Victoria. The project found evidence of enterprise-based research in the whole sample VET providers. The character of this research, and its linkages with enterprise operations were diverse. However, there appeared to be three distinct views of enterprise-based research, each of which articulated with a generic model of organisational development. These were: an informal, network-based, model; an instrumental strategic planning model; and a more internally motivated capacity building model. The data suggested that enterprises could move from the strategic planning model to the capacity building model if the practical utility of research was recognised.

The role of clinical directorate managers in facilitating evidence-based practice: a report of an exploratory study.

This paper presents an exploration of the role of clinical directorate managers in facilitating evidence-based practice. It reports on a small qualitative study which explored the perceptions held by directorate managers regarding their role in facilitating evidence-based practice for their nursing teams. Insights were sought into the nature of the overt and covert behaviours which the managers used in encouraging nurses to base their practices on research evidence. The sample consisted of 10 directorate managers from two teaching hospitals in one Trust, whose characteristics were not atypical from other directorate managers. Data were collected using semi-structured, tape-recorded interviews. Interviews focused on manager's backgrounds, professional responsibilities and practices, personal research agendas and socio-political influences. Findings revealed some constraining influences on the development of evidence-based practice, such as the Clinical Managers' budget allocations, and the policies and goals of the Trust. However, in respect of the managers' own practices, whilst some facilitative behaviours were identified, the data suggested that clinical managers were behaving in a manner which actually inhibited the development of evidence-based nursing practice. It would appear that in the post-reform National Health Service (NHS) clinical managers find themselves in a difficult position which gives rise to a practical failure to use their position and organizational authority to influence the utilization of research in practice. The implications of these findings for an evidence-based health service are discussed.

Facilitating research-basedpractice by educational intervention

The extent of research-based practice innursing and midwifery has been the subject of much recent debate. Research-mindedness has been seen to be the key to achieving professional status and improving patient care. Educationalists have been urged to develop research awareness in their students, and the teaching of research has taken a high apriority since the introduction of Project 2000 and the integration of nurse education into higher education. The extent to which this educational intervention can influence practice is the subject of this article. After a literature review, an ENB 870 course is described which was evaluated 6 months after completion. Written comments indicate aconsiderable degree of change in practice, with many students reporting innovation and research utilization in practice as a result of the course.

Who is a ″Good Manager″?

Examines the practical utility of research on managerial behaviour and managerial effectiveness for training and development programmes. Casts doubt on the relevance of models in the literature that tell managers what they should do. Reviews studies of effective managers. Concludes that the design of programmes in particular settings requires a study of who is an effective manager in that setting; that the concepts and methods available in the literature will be used; that such research has potential use for programmes where training is a stepping stone to change.

Research utilisation in practice

A small working group was set up in Wales to examine the extent to which nurses use research findings in their day to day clinical work. The group members acted as facilitators to their colleagues exploring with them the problems and issues affecting research utilisation in practice. A number of criteria are discussed which are necessary to encourage change and develop a critical approach to practice. Suggestions are also made for ways in which professional nursing may be developed within the overall context of future educational and management changes.

Statistical Data Available for Economic Research on Certain Types of Recreation

Abstract Recreation is an ill-defined human activity; yet, by any reasonable definition, it is an important and rapidly growing one. Economists, statisticians, and other social scientists have given it comparatively little professional attention. Relatively large bodies of statistical material exist, mostly as a by-product of administrative, informational, or public relations activities. The form of publication of these data has not made their analysis easy. Definitional and conceptual problems plague the whole field. Yet it is a potentially rich one for the statistician and other researchers; interesting and significant problems abound, and the practical utility of research would likely be high. A primary purpose of this article has been to call these opportunities to the attention of readers of JASA. * This paper was prepared to supplement statistics on recreation in the forthcoming new edition of Historical Statistics of the United States compiled under the joint sponsorship of the Bureau of the Census...