Research utilisation among nursing teachers in Finland: a national survey.

Evidence-based nursing practices using the latest knowledge require nursing education and further education based on the latest research findings. Anyhow, research utilisation by nursing teachers is poorly known. The aim of this study was to assess research utilisation by nursing teachers and connections of teachers background, further education and research activity variables to research utilisation on nursing education. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was used. A structured questionnaire specifically designed for this study which focused on research utilisation by nursing teachers were used. Data were collected from all nursing schools in Finland using a survey via the Internet. Participating nursing teachers totaled 339, with a response rate of 46%. The mean age of teachers was 51years and most had master's degrees, although 12% had a licentiate or PhD. Most nursing teachers had taken further education, were members of research and development teams and had publications. Research utilisation in nursing teaching was connected to teachers age, nursing diploma, academic degree, work experience, official title, further education, research and development activities and publication activity. Conclusion is that nursing teachers with doctoral degrees make better use of research on nursing education than those with master's degrees.