# A study to explore the barriers to research utilization among staff nurses

## TL;DR

This study explores why staff nurses struggle to use research in their work, finding that organizational issues and education play key roles.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific organizational and educational barriers to research utilization among staff nurses.

## Key findings

- 55.83% of nurses had adequate research utilization practices, while 44.17% had inadequate practices.
- Lack of authority and insufficient facilities were major organizational barriers.
- Educational qualifications significantly influenced research utilization (p<0.001).

## Abstract

Research utilization (RU) in nursing is essential for improving patient outcomes by integrating evidence-based knowledge into
clinical practice. Despite its significance, many nurses face barriers such as time constraints, lack of authority and inadequate
organizational support, which hinder the effective application of research in practice. This study aims to identify the barriers
preventing staff nurses from utilizing research findings in clinical settings. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at a
tertiary care hospital with 369 staff nurses. Data were collected using the Barriers to Research Utilization Scale and a Practice
Questionnaire. Demographic variables and their association with research utilization were analyzed using chi-square tests. The study
revealed that 55.83% of nurses had adequate research utilization practices, while 44.17% had inadequate practices. Organizational
barriers, such as lack of authority (36.3%) and insufficient facilities (34.4%), were identified as key obstacles. Educational
qualifications were significantly associated with better research utilization (p<0.001). Time constraints and limited access to
research reports also emerged as major barriers. Organizational factors and educational qualifications play a significant role in
research utilization among staff nurses. Enhancing organizational support and educational opportunities can help bridge the gap between
research and practice, promoting evidence-based care.