The Effect of a Journal Club on Perceived Barriers to the Utilization of Nursing Research in a Practice Setting

The Effect of a Journal Club on Perceived Barriers to the Utilization of Nursing Research in a Practice Setting

Cathy L. O'Nan, DNP, RN

Abstract Professional accountability dictates that bedside nurses base their practice on the best available evidence from research findings. However, some staff nurses may be reluctant to read research and scholarly journals, suppressing their practice and self-development. Findings from this study suggest that perceptions of barriers to research utilization in practice may decrease through the use of unit-based journal clubs. The staff development educator can play a pivotal role in nursing practice progression by implementing journal clubs.

Multiple barriers to evidence-based nursing practice exist. Common barriers to moving research into practice include the nurse's perceived lack of ability to change practice, nursing leadership not supportive of research utilization, staff nurses' lack of time to read research studies on the job, and staff nurses' lack of knowledge regarding the research process (Fink, Thompson, & Bonnes, 2005). Another noted barrier is that organizations often do not provide incentives and recognize nurses who choose to integrate research findings into their practice (Retsas, 2000).

Organization-wide changes that support research utilization and evidence-based practice in a hospital can be difficult to implement. An array of activities must be developed and implemented to support the incorporation of nursing research findings into practice and provide the necessary infrastructure. [Read More...]

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Discussion:

• Why was this study conducted at Methodist Hospital?
• Is this study applicable to your practice? If so, how?
• How do you relate to the findings of this study? Have you experienced some of the noted barriers? If so, what barriers?
• What have you learned from this study as a positive "take away"?