An Exploratory Study of a Research Culture Development by Administrators, Lecturers and Clinical Specialists in Nursing

Context: Escalating healthcare demands combined with diminishing resources underline the importance of ensuring nurses in leading roles, having the capacity to conduct evidence-based research to inform practice. Aims: This study explored the perceptions of research knowledge and experiences of nurses in administrative, teaching and clinical specialist positions to highlight gaps in research provision within educational institutions and healthcare organisations in Singapore. Design/Methods: A mixed-method exploratory descriptive design, using a questionnaire with open and closed questions was employed to obtain the views of nurses on their capacity in conducting research. Convenience sampling was employed in 3 research seminars in Singapore between July-August 2011. Results: Forty seven nurses were recruited and they confirmed good research knowledge and skills but indicated the need for enhanced educational preparation and organisational support to fully embrace a research culture. Conclusions: Research in nursing requires prioritisation and support in educational training and healthcare settings. Otherwise, conducting research would continue to be a lesser priority for nurses, even if they were in teaching or clinical positions which provided significant opportunities to lead or facilitate research. Given that role modeling enhances research culture in nursing, within education and clinical settings, nurses in leadership positions require confidence in conducting research. However, without prioritising research, and filtering this down through the nursing hierarchical system to promote a research culture, new knowledge to improve practice will remain elusive.