Modeling the individual determinants of research utilization

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Health Services Research
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Knowledge on factors influencing nurses' research utilization remains underdeveloped despite extensive investigation.
• Existing research has not sufficiently identified key determinants for increasing research use in nursing practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test structural equation models identifying individual factors that influence nurses' research utilization.
• To provide empirical evidence on the determinants of research utilization in nursing.

Main Methods:

• Development and testing of structural equation models using maximum likelihood estimation.
• Assessment of model fit using chi-square, adjusted goodness of fit index, and standardized residuals.
• Analysis of 26 individual concepts influencing research utilization.

Main Results:

• A simple model identified three significant factors influencing research utilization: positive attitude toward research, belief suspension, and attendance at in-service programs.
• These three factors directly impacted the extent to which nurses utilized research findings.

Conclusions:

• The descriptive research on determinants of research utilization in nursing is still underdeveloped.
• Identifying key influencing factors is crucial for designing effective strategies to enhance research uptake in nursing practice.