Research utilization: a challenge for nursing graduate education to improve patient care

To improve patient care, hospitals and other health care facilities are looking to improve patient outcomes through examining how nursing care can be changed or modified based on research. The process of applying research results into clinical practice is called research utilization (RU). In this article, a master's level research utilization course is described. The process of research utilization is highlighted along with specifics regarding course development and evaluation methods. Graduate level research courses such as this one can assist students to demonstrate competency in research utilization including: synthesis of research literature, development of practice guidelines based on research, and identification of strategies to carry out RU protocols and evaluate outcomes.