A survey of nurses and midwives research interest and perceptions of barriers and enablers to research participation in an area in Ireland

Background Developing research capacity promotes a high level of nursing knowledge, enhances evidence based practice and supports patient centred care. A nursing and midwifery research group (NMRG) was established in the... [ view full abstract ]

Background
Developing research capacity promotes a high level of nursing knowledge, enhances evidence based practice and supports patient centred care. A nursing and midwifery research group (NMRG) was established in the authors' area of work with the primary aim of developing research capacity.
Aim and objectives
The NMRG conducted a survey to ascertain
• Areas where further education in relation to the research process is needed
• Barriers and Enablers to engaging in research
• Priority areas for research
Methods
A survey was developed using the online software ‘Survey Monkey’. All nurses and midwives practicing within the HSE and a voluntary services organisation in the area were invited to respond. Staff were not approached directly but information about the survey, details of the link to Survey Monkey and hard copies of the survey were made widely available. Participation in the survey was voluntary and anonymous. Ethical approval was therefore not sought.
Data were collected from 531 nurses, over a three week period in June 2015.
Quantitative analysis was conducted using the descriptive analysis package on Survey Monkey. Qualitative data was analyzed using an adapted multistage approach developed by Hickey and Kipping.

Findings
Respondents were from acute hospital service (43%), older persons services, community services, mental health, midwifery and intellectual disability services. All grades of staff were represented.
70% of respondents indentified an interest in attending research seminars/master classes. Preferred topics for classes were evidence based practice, creating a clinical database, participating in and utilising research and writing for publication.
Perceived barriers to engaging in research included a lack of organisational support, lack of knowledge and confidence, lack of support of a research mentor and access to statistical analysis support.
Perceived enablers included an organisational culture supportive of research, protected time, availability of funding, education in research topics, access to a research mentor and links with Higher Education Institutes.
Identified research priorities included evidence based practice, dementia, medications management, wound care and infection control.

Conclusions and Implications
Survey findings will inform the development of an educational programme to increase research capacity in the area and the future work of NMRG.