Moving forward in a role as a researcher: the effect of a research method course on nurses' research activity

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a 1-year research course in basic research methodology, designed for clinical nurses, had a positive effect on the nurses' own research activity and their commitment to research in general. The research method applied was use of semistructured interviews. Seventy-nine clinical nurses participated in the study. Students of the research course (n = 37), i.e. the study group, were compared with a group of clinical nurses who did not participate in the course (n = 42), i.e. the reference group. A statistically significant difference was found in several variables between the two groups. Eighty-nine per cent of the study group members were active in planning their own research projects compared with 35.7% in the reference group. The study group also showed a higher level of interest and commitment to research results of others and read English language articles. A total of 13.9% of the study group experienced being unable to find time during working hours to participate in research projects, while this was true for 50% of nurses in the reference group. Experiences from the research course in basic methodology show that educational programmes designed for clinical nurses may facilitate and support their own research efforts as well as enhance their commitment to research in general. The course reinforced nurses' self-confidence in research-based practice. Clinical nurses require personal initiative, perseverance and competence in research methodology as well as sensitization towards a research culture in order to move away from the salaried work of a practitioner and into the role of a researcher.