Evaluating research for use in practice

Before using research in practice, nurses must adequately evaluate both the scientific merit of the research and its potential impact on practice. This column outlined some basic questions that nurses can ask when reading research for use in practice. Many references in the nursing literature may be helpful to nurses who want to increase their skill in evaluating research for use in their own practice settings (Alderman, 1985; Haller et al., 1979; Jacox & Prescott, 1978; Stetler & Marram, 1976; Topham & DeSilva, 1988). Clinical nurses have tangible knowledge of their own practice settings. This knowledge makes them the ideal decision-makers in determining when research findings are suitable for their practice. They should continue to develop their skills in evaluating research and form networks with nurse researchers, nursing faculty, clinical nurse specialists, and others with advanced research preparation to assist them in evaluating research and to validate their own assessment of the research. This kind of collaboration will promote prudent use of research findings in nursing practice.