Research endeavors among pediatric nurse practitioners (REAP) study

The purpose of this study was to identify the facilitators of and barriers to research utilization and to identify research activities and resources needed to promote research among pediatric nurse practitioners.

A random sample of 10% of the NAPNAP membership (n = 627) was surveyed with a response rate of 69% (n = 431). The survey included the BARRIERS Scale to identify facilitators of and barriers to research utilization, questions about research activities, and resources needed to promote research.

Barriers to research included time constraints for reading and implementing research, the amount of research information and the way it is compiled, and knowledge deficits about statistical analysis interpretation. Facilitators of research utilization included having time to review and implement findings, authority to change nursing practice based on research findings, and conducting clinically relevant studies. Time constraints (82%), lack of grant writing skills (66%), and funding (57%) were identified as barriers to conducting research.

Findings from this study will be used by the National NAPNAP Research Committee to plan and implement programs to increase the utilization of nursing research in clinical practice and provide guidance, education, and support to promote involvement in research activities among the membership.