Problem Solving and Conceptual Research Use in Registered Nurses

Abstract

Purpose: My aim of this research project was to explore and compare the relationship between perceptions of problem solving abilities and self-reports of conceptual research use in registered nurses working in pediatric acute-care and adult long-term care settings. Design: This is a paper-based thesis comprised of three Chapters: (1) an introduction; (2) an empirical study; and (3) an overview of results with further discussion and conclusions. Methods: I used survey data previously collected from two longitudinal research programs, Translating Research in Elder Care and Translating Research on Pain in Children to conduct the secondary analysis. The sample for this study included 766 pediatric nurses and 160 long-term care nurses. Problem solving was measured using a 10-item scale. Conceptual research use as measured in two ways: using a single item question and a 5-item scale. Bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques were used to address my research questions. Variables known to influence research use were included in regression analyses as control variables. This empirical study, presented in Chapter 2, will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. Results: My results were mixed and unexpected. Self-perceived problem solving abilities of long-term care and pediatric nurses were not significantly different. The two groups were significantly different in their conceptual research use scores, but only when analyzed using the single item measure. Problem solving and conceptual research use (single item) were significantly correlated in both long-term care and pediatric nurses. Problem solving was a significant predictor of conceptual research use (single item) but only in the pediatric nurses. Conclusions: My findings add to the limited knowledge on this topic area by providing some important preliminary insights into the relationship between problem solving and conceptual research use in registered nurses. More research needs to be done to further our knowledge and understanding of this topic area.