Understanding the barriers to nurses' participation in research: an exploration of constraining factors in Lithuania

Introduction: Nurses face barriers and challenges in participating in scientific research, with a focus on the gap between research and clinical practice. Although nursing research is essential for improving patient care and strengthening evidence-based practice (EBP), nurses' involvement in research in Lithuania remains limited. Objective: The study aims to explore nurses' experiences in research activities, identify key barriers to their involvement, and analyse factors limiting the integration of scientific research into clinical practice. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 22 nurses from various healthcare sectors. Data were analysed thematically, identifying major themes. related to professional identity, institutional challenges, and structural limitations in nursing research. Results: Findings reveal that nurses face multiple obstacles, including a lack of time, heavy workloads, limited research competencies, insufficient institutional support, and the dominance of physicians and administrators in academic research. Additionally, a weak research culture and low professional prestige further hinder their involvement. Conclusion: Nurses' research participation is hindered by systemic barriers, including unclear policies, insufficient support, and limited funding. Hierarchical constraints marginalize nursing research, with physicians dominating academia while nurses lack leadership roles. Weak professional identity integration, limited competencies, and low institutional encouragement further reduce engagement.