Barriers to conducting multicenter nursing research

Abstract

Introduction: The move towards evidence-based nursing practice requires active participation by nurses at all levels along the continuum of care. Despite this fact, nursing involvement in multicenter research is limited. This not only limits the generalizability of findings, but hinders collaborative and interdisciplinary research networking between hospitals. Reasons for single site nursing research barriers have been explored. Yet, knowledge of the barriers nurses face when they seek to engage in multicenter research activities is limited. Methods: A core group of experienced nurse researchers sought to initiate a multicenter observational research study of intracranial pressure monitoring. This article uses a case series approach to highlight the challenges encountered throughout the process. Results: Barriers to multicenter nursing research were identified and categorized by theme. Conclusions: Institutional changes are suggested to support the participation of clinical nurses in research and recommendations are made for future study.