Facilitators and barriers in developing research capacity among clinical nurses: A systematic review

Nursing research is essential for advancing evidence-based practice and improving patient care. With the continuous advancement of healthcare, the demand for clinical nurses' research capacity has increased, making it crucial to better understand their research capacity to guide education, practice, and overcome research challenges.

To examine the current status of clinical nurses' research capacity and identify the key barriers and facilitators influencing their research capacity.

A systematic review was conducted and reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Relevant studies published between 2000 and October 2024 were retrieved using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, and Wanfang databases. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) participants were clinical nurses, (b) research capacity or related variables were measured, (c) factors associated with research capacity were reported, (d) studies employed quantitative or mixed-method designs, (e) were written in English or Chinese, and (f) published in peer-reviewed journals. The quality of all included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

A total of 23 studies were included in this review. The findings revealed that clinical nurses' research capacity was generally moderate or below moderate. Key facilitators of research capacity included higher education level, participation in nursing research training, research motivation, and strong intrinsic personal capacity. Conversely, significant barriers included insufficient time allocated for research, inadequate research knowledge and skills training, and limited institutional support and resources.

This study highlights the importance of tailored training and supportive environments in enhancing nurses' research engagement. To address these challenges, nursing administrators should prioritize specialized training initiatives and the development of assessment tools to evaluate and enhance nurses' research capacity. These efforts will strengthen individual research skills, drive advancements in clinical practice, and contribute to the overall development of the nursing profession.