The meaning of research utilization. A preliminary typology

The preliminary findings of the meaning of research utilization as perceived by the bedside nurse provide some clues for promoting research utilization. Nurses must believe in the importance of nursing research to the profession, the individual clinician, and the patient. Nurse researchers should present their findings to the bedside nurse in a way that can be easily applied to the practice setting. Shaping a positive research mindset is important to the goal of a research-based practice. Infusing research findings throughout nursing courses, in addition to having a research course to learn basic critiquing skills, emphasizes the importance of nursing research to the individual student and encourages a seamless transition to clinical practice. The institutional setting wields a great deal of power when it comes to mandating practice changes. The institution must value research and embrace a continuing state of change by empowering the nursing staff to question the status quo. Research-focused university settings provide excellent opportunities to learn about the research process and share research findings. Policies and procedures should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the scientific base of nursing practice. Institutional support of research utilization fosters an environment that expects excellence in practice. Encouraging nurses to be more involved in nursing research activities and to value their role as data collectors has been shown to increase research awareness and utilization of findings. Nurses must believe they have the personal and professional power to change practice according to the evidence. This preliminary report has presented data that begin to describe what research utilization means to the bedside RN. The typology presented is grounded in the reality of the practicing nurse and provides important insights for those who wish to foster a research and evidence base for professional nursing practice. As further qualitative and quantitative information about the phenomenon of research utilization is collected, an integrated approach to concept clarification can occur.