Research Utilization: A Cross‐Sectional Survey of the Barriers and Facilitators Among Clinical Nurses in Ghana

Background and Aims: The involvement of clinical nurses in the utilization of nursing research in practice has been reported to be minimal. Globally, several studies have reported a host of challenges that hinder the efforts of nurses to use research in practice. However, other facilitators to nursing research exist. This study sought to assess the barriers and facilitators to the utilization of nursing research among Ghanaian nurses in practice. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among clinical nurses working at a tertiary health facility in northern Ghana. A total of 330 participants were systematically recruited to ensure equal opportunity for each nurse to partake. Data were collected using the standardized tool; Barriers and Facilitators to Nursing Research. Data processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel. Data were checked, cleaned, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, SPSS version 24. Results: More than 70% of participants believed they lacked the authority to change practice whilst another 60% believed statistical analyses are not understandable. Other key barriers identified included perceived lack of authority to change practice by nurses, inadequate time, uncooperative physicians, and inapplicable research findings. Other commonly identified facilitators were further education, support from administration, and formation of research clubs and committees at the health facility. Conclusion: To enhance the participation of clinical nurses in the utilization of nursing research in practice, several barriers identified need to be addressed, including stakeholder support and opportunities for clinical nurses for further education to improve their research skills. Collaboration between clinical nurses and nurses in academia is paramount.