Factors influencing utilization of research findings in clinical practice by nurses in Botswana

4^th International Conference on Nursing & Healthcare

October 05-07, 2015 San Francisco, USA

Boikanyo Mpelega

University of Botswana, Botswana

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Lack of knowledge or of its applications tends to reduce human�s ability to find solution to everyday problem of life as well as those encouraged in their workplace hence reducing their effectiveness and efficiency. Nurses tend to underutilize findings from research during their everyday effort at improving patient care. There are factors which influence the extent and level of utilization of research findings. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of utilization of research findings by nurses in Botswana and to find factors which influence such utilization. The extent to which nurses use research findings, level of education, research skill, number of research related workshops attended, perceptions, attitude and research related courses taken influence level of utilization of research findings. This survey study tried to determine the level of influence of each of these factors. To test the nine research hypotheses posited to guide the study, data were collected from 305 practicing nurses in hospitals and clinics. These hypotheses were tested by carrying out t-test, one way ANOVA and correlation statistical analyses. The results showed that to a significant level nurses use research findings in clinical practice though research findings are significantly inaccessible. Level of education, number of research courses taken, research skill has significant influence the level of utilization of research findings on the other hand the number of research related workshops attended has no significant influence on the extent to which nurses use research results. Perception and attitude towards research was found to have influence on the nurses� level of utilization of research findings. The findings of the study are expected to inform policy makers in Botswana so that they are in better position when considering utilization of research findings in clinical practice to improve patient care. The study will assist nursing curriculum developers, nurses, research institutions to promote research culture and improve quality of care.

Biography :

Email: mpelega@yahoo.co.uk