Priority-setting for nursing research in the Republic of China

The question of how public funds for research should be allocated has led to participatory priority-setting in prosperous democracies like Taiwan, Republic of China. Useful criteria for research priorities are scientific merit, social benefit and feasibility. Taking a health needs approach and using these criteria, nearly 200 nurses from service and education in a national forum participated in describing research priorities. Through the group method of idea-writing, for clinical nursing, of high priority were assessing quality, care of the elderly, and preventing infectious disease. For nursing education, research addressing advanced role preparation and bridging nursing education and practice were priorities. For nursing management, research of highest priority pertained to economic evaluation, personnel administration, and effectiveness. These suggestions from the deliberation of a committed group of nurses can help shape future national decisions about research funding and training.