ince the BARRIERS to Research Utili

ince the BARRIERS to Research Utilization Scale (BARRIERS Scale) was first published in 1991,10,11 more than 30 national and international studies have been conducted.12 Studies conducted in the United States were in academic medical centers. Community hospitals served as the setting for studies in the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Australia. Findings related to the organization have remained consistent across settings and over the years.

In a study conducted in an academic medical center, researchers used the BARRIERS Scale to evaluate organization strategies designed to increase research utilization.13 Baseline data were collected, organizational strategies to improve research utilization and evidence-based practice were implemented, and then postimplementation data were collected. Posttest findings indicated a significant improvement in the factors of the BARRIERS Scale related to characteristics of the organization and the adopter.

There was only 1 study done in a Magnet community hospital.14 Barriers to research utilization were examined by administering the BARRIERS Scale to 584 RNs. Four of the 5 top barriers were related to the organization. Although the barriers were similar to those found in previous studies, the domain means were lower, reflecting more research use that was attributed to the process of Magnet preparation, increased practice autonomy, and existence of a nursing research council.14

Traditionally, community hospitals have not focused on research or research utilization. However, these concepts are integral to obtaining and sustaining Magnet status. This study helps bridge the gap in knowledge related to research utilization in community hospital settings.