Research Competence in Clinical Nursing Practice: A Global Evidence Synthesis (2000–2025)

Abstract
Background:
Research competence is increasingly recognized as a core component of professional nursing practice. Nurses’ ability to understand, apply, and generate research underpins evidence-based care, improves patient outcomes, and drives clinical innovation¹⁻³.
Objective:
This review aimed to systematically synthesize global evidence on the research competence of practicing nurses, examining key domains, measurement approaches, barriers, enablers, and trends from 2000 to 2025⁴.
Methods:
A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus, supplemented by manual searches, identified studies assessing research competence among practicing nurses. Studies involving students, aides, or non-nursing populations were excluded⁵. Data extraction captured study design, sample characteristics, competence domains, measurement tools, and main findings. The review followed PRISMA guidelines, yielding 100 eligible studies⁶.
Results:
Research competence varied widely across countries, institutions, and clinical settings⁷⁻⁹. Frequently assessed domains included research knowledge, skills, statistical literacy, evidence appraisal, and integration into clinical practice¹⁰⁻¹². Common barriers included limited time, lack of mentorship, inadequate institutional support, and insufficient access to research training¹³⁻¹⁵. Enablers encompassed continuing professional education, structured research programs, leadership engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration¹⁶⁻¹⁸. Measurement approaches ranged from validated instruments (e.g., Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire, Nurse Research Competence Scale) to researcher-developed questionnaires¹⁹⁻²⁰, reflecting heterogeneity in operational definitions and assessment methods. Overall, nurses demonstrated increasing engagement with research, though competence levels remained uneven, particularly in grant writing, research leadership, and dissemination skills.
Conclusion:
Practicing nurses show growing involvement in research activities, yet persistent structural and educational barriers constrain full competence development²¹⁻²³. Strengthening institutional support, mentorship, and research-focused training is essential to cultivate a globally research-ready nursing workforce. Findings provide an evidence base for policy, education, and leadership strategies aimed at enhancing nursing research competence and advancing evidence-based practice worldwide.
Keywords:
Research competence; practicing nurses; evidence-based practice; nursing research; systematic review; global health; professional development