Clinical nurses’ perceptions of research in Gauteng Province, South Africa: a qualitative study
Abstract Background Nurses are expected to engage in research to inform evidence-based practice; however, research remains poorly integrated into routine clinical work for many. This study explored clinical nurses’ perceptions of research to inform the development of a research capacity-building pro...
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BMC
2025-08-01
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| Series: | BMC Nursing |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03736-z |
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| author | Rodwell Gundo Fhumulani Mulaudzi Robert Lavhelani Matshidiso Koloti Pleasure Moasa |
| author_facet | Rodwell Gundo Fhumulani Mulaudzi Robert Lavhelani Matshidiso Koloti Pleasure Moasa |
| author_sort | Rodwell Gundo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Nurses are expected to engage in research to inform evidence-based practice; however, research remains poorly integrated into routine clinical work for many. This study explored clinical nurses’ perceptions of research to inform the development of a research capacity-building program in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Methods A qualitative descriptive design was used. Data were collected through focus group discussions and individual interviews with 29 nurses from two public hospitals in Gauteng Province. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results Three themes emerged: [1] Supportive Research Environment - participants acknowledged hospital support through research permissions and opportunities to attend symposiums; [2] Research as an Ivory Tower - many viewed research as exclusive to academics, with some expressing fear or limited understanding of research processes; [3] Barriers to Research Engagement - participants cited factors such as staff shortages, lack of protected time for research, frequent ward rotations disrupting research interests, limited library access, and negativity from some managers and colleagues. One participant shared, “I wanted to do research in labor ward, but rotation moved me, so I lost the opportunity”. Conclusions Although nurses recognized the value of research, structural and individual barriers limit their participation. Strengthening research training within nursing education, improving access to research resources, and fostering a supportive organizational culture are essential to enhancing research engagement and promoting evidence-based nursing practice in South Africa. Clinical trial number Not applicable. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-8da7689b00fc4259a892d5b6e4ba739b |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1472-6955 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
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| series | BMC Nursing |
| spelling | doaj-art-8da7689b00fc4259a892d5b6e4ba739b2025-08-20T03:07:20ZengBMCBMC Nursing1472-69552025-08-012411910.1186/s12912-025-03736-zClinical nurses’ perceptions of research in Gauteng Province, South Africa: a qualitative studyRodwell Gundo0Fhumulani Mulaudzi1Robert Lavhelani2Matshidiso Koloti3Pleasure Moasa4Department of Nursing Sciences, University of PretoriaDepartment of Nursing Sciences, University of PretoriaDepartment of Nursing Sciences, University of PretoriaDepartment of Nursing Sciences, University of PretoriaDepartment of Nursing Sciences, University of PretoriaAbstract Background Nurses are expected to engage in research to inform evidence-based practice; however, research remains poorly integrated into routine clinical work for many. This study explored clinical nurses’ perceptions of research to inform the development of a research capacity-building program in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Methods A qualitative descriptive design was used. Data were collected through focus group discussions and individual interviews with 29 nurses from two public hospitals in Gauteng Province. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results Three themes emerged: [1] Supportive Research Environment - participants acknowledged hospital support through research permissions and opportunities to attend symposiums; [2] Research as an Ivory Tower - many viewed research as exclusive to academics, with some expressing fear or limited understanding of research processes; [3] Barriers to Research Engagement - participants cited factors such as staff shortages, lack of protected time for research, frequent ward rotations disrupting research interests, limited library access, and negativity from some managers and colleagues. One participant shared, “I wanted to do research in labor ward, but rotation moved me, so I lost the opportunity”. Conclusions Although nurses recognized the value of research, structural and individual barriers limit their participation. Strengthening research training within nursing education, improving access to research resources, and fostering a supportive organizational culture are essential to enhancing research engagement and promoting evidence-based nursing practice in South Africa. Clinical trial number Not applicable.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03736-zNursing researchEvidence-based practiceSouth AfricaCapacity buildingHospitals |
| spellingShingle | Rodwell Gundo Fhumulani Mulaudzi Robert Lavhelani Matshidiso Koloti Pleasure Moasa Clinical nurses’ perceptions of research in Gauteng Province, South Africa: a qualitative study BMC Nursing Nursing research Evidence-based practice South Africa Capacity building Hospitals |
| title | Clinical nurses’ perceptions of research in Gauteng Province, South Africa: a qualitative study |
| title_full | Clinical nurses’ perceptions of research in Gauteng Province, South Africa: a qualitative study |
| title_fullStr | Clinical nurses’ perceptions of research in Gauteng Province, South Africa: a qualitative study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Clinical nurses’ perceptions of research in Gauteng Province, South Africa: a qualitative study |
| title_short | Clinical nurses’ perceptions of research in Gauteng Province, South Africa: a qualitative study |
| title_sort | clinical nurses perceptions of research in gauteng province south africa a qualitative study |
| topic | Nursing research Evidence-based practice South Africa Capacity building Hospitals |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03736-z |
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