Barriers To, and Facilitators of, Research Utilization among Nurses Working in Taif Hospitals, Saudi Arabia

Background Research utilization in nursing has been a prominent concern for more than 20 years. Previous literature showed several factors impede or facilitate nurses to utilize research findings. Those factors mainly related to nurses competencies in understanding and applying research, other factors related to administration and resources for research. Design and sample a descriptive design was used to assess facilitation of, and barriers to, research utilization among 235 nurses selected randomly from various clinical nursing settings in Taif city. Tool Research tool was developed by the researchers and used to assess nurses' utilization of research. The validity and reliability were assured. Data collection The questionnaires were distributed to nurses working in various settings of hospitals in Taif city. All ethical issues were considered. The response rate was 73%. Results Several factors were considered barriers to research utilization. The barriers of highest percentages were lack of ability to do research (83.4%), insufficient time (81.7%), and lack of organizational support (73.6%). Other items were considered and analyzed. Implication Finding out the barriers to research utilization may help administrative personnel set certain policies that can facilitate research use in nursing units. Nursing directors should encourage nurses to increase their knowledge and utilizing of research studies through readings and attending certain educational programs.