Factors related to research utilization by registered nurses in Kentucky

The current health care environment mandates an outcomes-driven approach to care. Outcomes-based, and practice-driven, nursing research can be an essential organizational investment to maintain viability. Registered nurses in Kentucky appear motivated and ready to participate in and use relevant nursing research in their practice environment. Administrative support for those endeavors can be a key component in the successful conduct of clinical research and translation into clinical practice. Participation in research endeavors by both nursing staff and management can support the value of nursing in the current health care delivery system. This study adds to the literature in the area of research utilization in that random selection, a relatively large sample size, and all RNs in the state (not just members of the professional nursing organization) were used. Hopefully, the results of this study can be used to bring together all important parties in the research utilization process--experts, quality assurance nurses, managers in control of resources, risk managers, and those providing patient care.