Barriers and facilitators of research utilization. An integrative review.

For over 20 years, nursing literature has discussed the gap between the conduct of research and the use of its findings to improve practice. Factors relating to the nurse, the setting, the research, and the way research is presented have been identified as barriers to research utilization. A combined approach that includes specialty organizations that take the lead in knowledge synthesis and dissemination, the creation of national on-line databases, and enhanced institutional supports and educational efforts is recommended.