Mixed methods systematic review: Factors influencing research activity among nurses in clinical practice

Aim: \ud This study aimed to identify, evaluate and summarise current evidence in relation to the factors that influence the conducting of research by nurses in clinical practice.\ud \ud Design: \ud This study used mixed methods systematic review.\ud \ud Data sources: \ud CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus and ASSIA, with dates limited from 2015 to 2020, were used to conduct a systematic search of the literature.\ud \ud Review methods: \ud The Joanna Briggs Institute approach was followed, with results reported according to the Preferred Reporting System for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The associated checklist for systematic reviews was also used. A standardised data extraction tool was then used, with quality appraisal guided by the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, with a subsequent convergent qualitative synthesis.\ud \ud Results: \ud Sixteen papers were identified for inclusion, nine quantitative, six qualitative and one mixed methods. Four themes were identified: research competence and culture, proactive research mentorship, research resources and making a difference. These were critically discussed in relation to barriers and enablers to the conduct of research by nurses in clinical practice. Commonly cited barriers included a lack of research knowledge, confidence and access to resources, particularly protected time, while enablers such as educational partnerships, identifying research-motivated clinical nurses and access to research role models were also apparent in the literature.\ud \ud Conclusions: \ud Globally, nurses in clinical practice are clearly motivated to engage in the research process despite apparent barriers that have a significant impact on productivity. Nevertheless, there are also enablers to building research capacity apparent that offer methodological and structural approaches to empower this group to conduct research.