Views and Engagement With Clinical Research: A Cross-sectional Survey of New Zealand Midwives and Nurses

Abstract

Background In New Zealand (NZ), the combined workforces of midwives and nurses comprise the largest proportion of the health workforce. Their involvement in clinical research is fundamental to delivering evidence-based healthcare, with clear benefits for consumers, clinicians, and organisations. Despite professional expectations to engage with evidence, little is known about their views and engagement with research. Aim To explore views and engagement with research among registered midwives and registered nurses in a large urban health district in NZ. Methods A cross-sectional, online mixed methods survey of registered midwives and registered nurses using an adapted validated tool. Quantitative data were analysed for differences between professions, and qualitative free-text responses were analysed thematically. Results Respondents comprised 77 registered midwives and 217 registered nurses. Almost half (47.3%, 139) had a postgraduate qualification. Few had been part of a research team (25.5%, 75) or had research skills. Main barriers to research involvement were lack of time and funding, alongside work-life balance. A key motivation was reducing health inequities for Māori and Pasifika communities. All respondents supported consumer participation in research. Nurses were more likely than midwives to report that conducting research was part of their role (p = 0.040) and to express concern about its impact on their workload (p = 0.033) and consumer participation (p < 0.001). Discussion Midwives and nurses reported similar positive research views and represent a motivated but underutilised research workforce. However, organisational and individual constraints limit research engagement. Conclusion Targeted investment in research capacity could help realise this untapped potential and improve equitable, evidence-based health outcomes.