A study to explore the barriers to research utilization among staff nurses

Research utilization (RU) in nursing is essential for improving patient outcomes by integrating evidence-based knowledge into clinical practice. Despite its significance, many nurses face barriers such as time constraints, lack of authority and inadequate organizational support, which hinder the effective application of research in practice. This study aims to identify the barriers preventing staff nurses from utilizing research findings in clinical settings. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital with 369 staff nurses. Data were collected using the Barriers to Research Utilization Scale and a Practice Questionnaire. Demographic variables and their association with research utilization were analyzed using chi-square tests. The study revealed that 55.83% of nurses had adequate research utilization practices, while 44.17% had inadequate practices. Organizational barriers, such as lack of authority (36.3%) and insufficient facilities (34.4%), were identified as key obstacles. Educational qualifications were significantly associated with better research utilization (p<0.001). Time constraints and limited access to research reports also emerged as major barriers. Organizational factors and educational qualifications play a significant role in research utilization among staff nurses. Enhancing organizational support and educational opportunities can help bridge the gap between research and practice, promoting evidence-based care.