Abstract
Purpose: To define research utilization (RU) and identify barriers and facilitators to RU in nursing practice.
Methods: An international integrative review of 42 studies was conducted related to barriers and facilitators of RU.
Results: Following a review of the research that met the inclusion criteria, the author identifies common themes related to the implementation of research into clinical practice and the challenges surrounding RU.
Conclusion: Despite consistently perceived barriers to research among nurses from different geographic, cultural, and clinical backgrounds, practice changes are typically out of their hands. Further research is necessary to gauge perception among the nursing associations, regulatory bodies, healthcare organizations, policy makers, and managers responsible for implementing these changes.