NR 585 Week 4

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-585: Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice for Advanced Nursing Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Overview of the Study

Purpose

The research conducted by Smith-Miller (2022) aimed to examine nurses’ viewpoints on the factors that either obstruct or encourage the application of research evidence in daily clinical practice. The primary purpose was to identify organization-specific barriers and enablers of evidence-informed practice, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Gaining this knowledge was crucial for developing clinical environments that empower nurses to incorporate research-based knowledge into patient care effectively.

Study Design

The study adopted a survey-based descriptive design. The methodology combined both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative analysis included descriptive statistics, internal consistency reliability testing, and inter-item correlation analysis. Qualitative data, gathered through open-ended questions, were assessed through narrative content analysis.

Surveys were distributed electronically and evaluated for completeness, consistency, and reliability before further analysis. This design allowed the researchers to capture both measurable patterns and in-depth perspectives regarding barriers and facilitators to evidence-informed practice.

Table 1. Methods of Data Analysis

Analysis Type	Method Used
Data Cleaning	Surveys with more than 10 unanswered items were removed.
Quantitative Analysis	Descriptive statistics and reliability testing with IBM SPSS 24.
Qualitative Analysis	Narrative responses coded and analyzed using NVivo 11.
Psychometric Testing	Cronbach’s α, item correlation, and factor analysis performed.
Scale Validation	Eigenvalues, scree plot review, and variance explained were examined.

This multi-step approach strengthened the credibility and rigor of the findings.

Description of the Study

Research Question

What are nurses’ perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to implementing research findings and evidence into practice?

Study Aims

The study sought to explore how workplace structures and cultures affect evidence-informed practice. Unlike earlier research, which frequently emphasized nurses’ knowledge and technical skills, this investigation highlighted the role of organizational context—such as leadership support, culture, and resources—in shaping whether evidence-informed practices were successfully adopted.

Sampling Technique, Sample Size, and Characteristics

A revised version of the Barriers to Research Utilization Scale was adapted with permission and distributed electronically to nurses working at an academic medical center in the Southeastern United States.

• The survey included 25 Likert-scale items (ranging from 1 = “strongly disagree” to 4 = “strongly agree,” plus an option for 0 = “no opinion”).
• Three additional open-ended questions (Q26–Q28) allowed participants to describe their own experiences with facilitators and barriers.
• Demographic items included current nursing role (Q29) and highest academic degree earned (Q30).
• All survey responses were securely stored on a password-protected online platform to ensure data security and confidentiality.

This structured sampling ensured the inclusion of a diverse range of nurses, providing a broader understanding of clinical practice environments.

Validity and Reliability

To ensure validity, the tool underwent a review by two nurse researchers, experienced clinicians, and members of the hospital’s nursing research council. Their input confirmed that the items were aligned with the study’s objectives.

Confidentiality and anonymity were emphasized throughout the process. Survey participation remained voluntary, and to encourage response rates, participants were given the opportunity to enter a gift card drawing. Importantly, identifiers for gift card entries were kept separate from survey data.

Reliability was confirmed through psychometric testing, including Cronbach’s α for internal consistency and factor analysis for construct validation. This careful validation process enhanced the study’s trustworthiness.

Results of the Study

The study revealed that nurses generally supported evidence-informed practice but encountered several barriers, including:

• Insufficient time during clinical shifts to engage with research.
• Limited confidence or knowledge in translating findings into care.
• Organizational fatigue due to continuous procedural changes.
• Complex bureaucratic processes that delayed implementation.

Conversely, facilitators were also highlighted, such as:

• Strong collegial support and teamwork.
• Mentorship and guidance from senior nurses and experts.
• Availability of institutional resources, such as online research databases and libraries.

These findings emphasized that while individual motivation plays a role, organizational infrastructure and culture are key determinants in enabling sustained evidence-based practice.

Application of the Study Results in Practice

The study’s outcomes have several implications for nursing practice and healthcare organizations. Nurse leaders and administrators can apply these findings by:

1. Developing supportive infrastructure to embed evidence-based practice (EBP) into routine workflows.
2. Integrating results into quality improvement (QI) initiatives that align with organizational goals.
3. Providing structured mentorship programs and ongoing training to strengthen nurses’ skills in applying research.
4. Simplifying bureaucratic processes to reduce barriers to implementing evidence-informed changes.

NR 585 Week 4

By applying these strategies, healthcare systems can foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, leading to better patient outcomes, improved staff satisfaction, and more efficient care delivery.

If these results are not acted upon, healthcare organizations risk missing opportunities to enhance patient safety, staff engagement, and overall efficiency—underscoring the importance of integrating study findings into real-world practice.

NR 585 Week 4

Reference

Smith-Miller, C. A. (2022). Implementing evidence-informed practice changes: Barriers, facilitators, and work environments. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 52(4), 203–210. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000001132