Utilization of research by nurses at A.I.C Kijabe Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Research utilization is a component of evidence based practice (EBP). This is fundamental in the delivery of nursing care services to the consumers in the 21 st century. EBP is a means through which a profession can assert its image and hence nursing profession gets recognized among other disciplines and health care consumers. Use of evidence based practice in nursing services is influenced by various factors. Objective: This study was to establish the extent of utilization of nursing research by nurses at A.I.C Kijabe Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive cross section study was done, where a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents who were qualified nurses working at A.I.C. Kijabe Hospital. A sample size of 138 nurses was used. The sampling was distributed to all major departments proportionally. Quantitative data generated was analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis. Results: Our findings indicate that a significant (p< 0.05) majority of nurses use research in their practice. In addition, a significant (P< 0.05) number of nurses had conducted research. The main barriers for the utilization of research by nurses at AIC Kijabe hospital were lack of time, resources, academic qualification and lack of experience. Conclusion: Nurses at A.I.C Kijabe Hospital are utilizing research to improve the nursing care of patients admitted in this institution. It is important that this practice be encouraged and maintained for the benefit of improving patient care. However, barriers to research utilization need to be addressed so that every nurse is able to utilize research in patient care.