The dilemma of incorporating research into clinical practice

Despite pressure to move towards evidence-based practice within the health service, a considerable proportion of nursing intervention continues to be founded on time-honoured tradition and historical precedent. Most explanations for this research/practice hiatus have focused on organizational problems such as the lack of appropriate skills training, inadequate time and limited resources. This article suggests that the problem may also relate to psychological resistance from nurses, especially at the level of professional stereotyping, a lack of confidence and entrenched gender stereotypes, all of which predispose nurses to maintaining the traditional basis of clinical practice. If nursing is to become a more scientific, clinical service then an open-minded and flexible approach which takes account of the relevant psychological factors is required.