ICU Nurses Knowledge, Attitudes, and Involvement in Clinical Research in Australia–A National Survey
Abstract
Introduction: Clinical research is vital in critical care settings to support evidence-based care for patients. Studies have shown that hospitals involved in research have better outcomes, but the quality of the study is dependent on the multi-disciplinary team involvement, often including the engagement of nurses in clinical research protocol development and delivery. A recent literature review highlighted variable levels of nurses’ clinical research engagement with the need for targeted education, improved communication, and institutional backing, to ensure nurses better engage. However, despite international recognition of the issue, little is known about how Australian ICU nurses engage with clinical research.
Aim: To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and involvement Australian ICU nurses’ have to clinical research in the ICU.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of ICU nurses in Australia between April to June 2025. The survey consisted of 72 questions, integrating validated items from three studies exploring ICU nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and involvement in clinical research. Responses were captured using a Likert scale, with an open-ended final question for additional feedback. Data was analysed using descriptive and comparative methods.
Results: 212 responses were collected. Of the responders, 72% were bedside RNs and 82% had post graduate qualifications. Bedside RNs report average to good knowledge of research study design and consent procedures. Level of knowledge varied for screening and randomisation procedures. Knowledge of blinding, ethics review processes and study results analysis was minimal. Most bedside RNs reported they have not been involved in research study design, development or management. Between 80-90% of bedside RNs report that they rarely introduce a study to patients, randomise a patient, or obtain consent. Very few bedside RNs are members of research related committees, attend research related meetings or attend and present at journal clubs. Most bedside RNs agree that research facilitates improvements in care for the critically ill patients.
Conclusion: This study provides insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and involvement of Australian ICU nurses with clinical research. Knowledge levels vary depending on the research topic and bedside nurse engagement with clinical research is low. To improve research knowledge and engagement, nurses need targeted training programs and improved access research opportunities.
Notes
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Sigma Membership
Non-member
Lead Author Affiliation
Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Cross-Sectional
Research Approach
Mixed/Multi Method Research
Keywords:
Acute Care, Workforce, Interprofessional Initiatives, Clinical Research, ICU, Critical Care Nurses, Australia
Recommended Citation
McIntyre, JoAnne; Lin, Frances Fengzhi; and Adams, Anne Mette Nørby, "ICU Nurses Knowledge, Attitudes, and Involvement in Clinical Research in Australia–A National Survey" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 100.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/100
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-07-30
Funder
South Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN), Government of South Australia
ICU Nurses Knowledge, Attitudes, and Involvement in Clinical Research in Australia–A National Survey
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Introduction: Clinical research is vital in critical care settings to support evidence-based care for patients. Studies have shown that hospitals involved in research have better outcomes, but the quality of the study is dependent on the multi-disciplinary team involvement, often including the engagement of nurses in clinical research protocol development and delivery. A recent literature review highlighted variable levels of nurses’ clinical research engagement with the need for targeted education, improved communication, and institutional backing, to ensure nurses better engage. However, despite international recognition of the issue, little is known about how Australian ICU nurses engage with clinical research.
Aim: To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and involvement Australian ICU nurses’ have to clinical research in the ICU.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of ICU nurses in Australia between April to June 2025. The survey consisted of 72 questions, integrating validated items from three studies exploring ICU nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and involvement in clinical research. Responses were captured using a Likert scale, with an open-ended final question for additional feedback. Data was analysed using descriptive and comparative methods.
Results: 212 responses were collected. Of the responders, 72% were bedside RNs and 82% had post graduate qualifications. Bedside RNs report average to good knowledge of research study design and consent procedures. Level of knowledge varied for screening and randomisation procedures. Knowledge of blinding, ethics review processes and study results analysis was minimal. Most bedside RNs reported they have not been involved in research study design, development or management. Between 80-90% of bedside RNs report that they rarely introduce a study to patients, randomise a patient, or obtain consent. Very few bedside RNs are members of research related committees, attend research related meetings or attend and present at journal clubs. Most bedside RNs agree that research facilitates improvements in care for the critically ill patients.
Conclusion: This study provides insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and involvement of Australian ICU nurses with clinical research. Knowledge levels vary depending on the research topic and bedside nurse engagement with clinical research is low. To improve research knowledge and engagement, nurses need targeted training programs and improved access research opportunities.
Description
This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and involvement Australian ICU nurses’ have to clinical research. ICU nurses have differing knowledge levels of research topics, and variable level of involvement in research study design and management. Most nurses agree that research facilitates improvements in care for the critically ill patients. Findings from this study will inform the development of guidelines for minimum requirements of research education in critical care curriculums.