Nursing research and societal needs: political, corporate, and international perspectives

Tension exists between political and public pressure for fiscal constraint in health care expenditures and the scientific community urging greater allocation of research funds. Some contend that scientists are out of touch with the rest of society. This issue is discussed from the political, corporate, and international perspectives. Nurse researchers need to examine their priorities and determine whether they are congruent with societal need. In addition, increased interaction with the public, increased involvement with the federal decision making process, and the building of research consortia and collaborative endeavors are recommended.