The development of nursing research self-study modules

Research utilization and evidence-based practice are processes that require nurses to have research knowledge and skills. Yet many nurses are fearful of research and avoid reading nursing research studies or using research in their practice. Members of a hospital's Nursing Research Team developed nursing research self-study modules for use by the nursing staff. The goal of this innovative project was to enhance a nurse's ability to critically read nursing research studies and determine their usefulness for practice. As a result, it is hoped that nurses will be more knowledgeable about research and more comfortable participating in the evidence-based practice and research utilization processes. The development, implementation, and evaluation of nursing research self-study modules are described and implications for nursing practice identified.