Current understandings of the research-practice gap in nursing: A mixed-methods study

Abstract

Background: As nursing evolves from an occupation based on tradition to an evidence-based profession, concerns are being raised about the apparent disconnect between best practice and actual practice; a concern referred to as the research-practice gap. Given that this gap may lead to sub-standard patient care, it is imperative that attention be given to furthering our understanding of the gap. Aim: To cast light on the schism between research and nursing practice from the perspective of international nurse academics. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional, mixed-method study, 149 senior nurse academics from Australasia, Europe, UK and North America were invited to complete an electronic questionnaire and semi-structured interview. Findings: The survey returned 72 (48%) usable responses; 50 (66%) of these participants also completed an interview. Participants generally agreed that nurses should engage with research, but were divided regarding the extent to which nurses do engage with research. Factors contributing to the gap primarily related to the issues of ‘translation’ and ‘change’. Closing the gap was considered a shared responsibility, which centred on improving research ‘access’. Conclusion: This study reveals that nurse academics, regardless of geography or experience, generally support the need to bring research and nursing practice closer together. While the findings do not further our understanding of the magnitude of the gap, they do provide some clarity as to where attention might best be focussed in order to narrow the gap. Exploring the perspectives of practicing nurses on the research-practice gap would be a natural progression of this research.