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Decreasing Barriers to Research Utilization Among Labor and Delivery Nurses
Lisa Heelan-Fancher1, Joyce K Edmonds, Emily J Jones
1Lisa Heelan-Fancher, PhD, FNP-BC, CNE, is Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts Boston College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Emily J. Jones, PhD, RNC-Ob, is Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts Boston College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Joyce K. Edmonds, PhD, MPH, RN, is Associate Professor, Boston College Cornell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
Labor and delivery nurses with protected time for professional development and manageable workloads perceive fewer barriers to implementing intermittent fetal monitoring (IFM). Addressing time constraints is crucial for improving IFM utilization.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Research
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Intermittent fetal monitoring (IFM) is recommended for low-risk pregnancies.
- This evidence-based practice is currently underutilized in clinical settings.
- Understanding barriers to IFM implementation is essential for improving obstetric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between nurses' intellectual capital and their perceived barriers to research utilization.
- To identify factors influencing the adoption of IFM by labor and delivery nurses.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional correlational design was employed with 248 labor and delivery nurses.
- Covell's theory of nursing intellectual capital served as the analytical framework.
- Data were collected to assess intellectual capital and perceived barriers to research utilization.
Main Results:
- Nurses receiving paid time off for conferences reported fewer barriers to research utilization (p < .01).
- Nurses not identifying nurse-to-patient ratios as a problem also perceived fewer barriers (p < .01).
- Available time significantly impacts nurses' attitudes towards IFM and research utilization.
Conclusions:
- Adequate time and support for professional development are key to reducing barriers for nurses.
- Addressing workload and time constraints can enhance the implementation of IFM.
- Facilitating research utilization is critical for evidence-based practice in labor and delivery.
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