Evidence-based care: can we overcome the barriers?

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Research Implementation

Background:

• Evidence-based care is a key goal in healthcare, yet integrating research into practice remains challenging.
• Decades of promoting research application have not fully overcome obstacles to its implementation.
• Organizational factors significantly impede the adoption of research findings in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers faced by nurses in implementing research into practice within a UK teaching hospital.
• To adapt and utilize the Funk et al. Barriers Scale for a UK nursing population.
• To compare findings with US data on research implementation barriers.

Main Methods:

• A modified version of Funk et al.'s (1991a,b) Barriers Scale was administered to nurses.
• The study population comprised nurses in a large UK teaching hospital.
• Data analysis focused on identifying prevalent barriers to research utilization.

Main Results:

• A complex range of barriers hinders research implementation among nurses.
• The organizational environment was identified as the most significant barrier.
• Comparisons with US data highlight common challenges in research integration.

Conclusions:

• Organizational culture presents a formidable obstacle to evidence-based practice.
• Creating dedicated time for nurses to implement research is crucial.
• Empowering nurses is essential for successful adoption of research findings into patient care.