Background: Research utilization in clinical areas strengthens nursing profession as well as benefits the patients. The objectives of this study were to explore the barriers and facilitators faced in utilization of research findings in their practice among nurses from Lahore, Pakistan.

Material and Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods study was conducted at Lahore School of Nursing, The University of Lahore, Pakistan from June to November 2021. In quantitative phase, 76 nurses were recruited through convenient sampling technique. In qualitative phase, twelve nurses were interviewed through purposive sampling technique. The data of both parts was analyzed separately and then mixed in the interpretation phase.

Results: Quantitative results showed that top research barriers included “insufficient time (98.6%), non-supportiveness of colleagues (98.6%), and unwillingness to try new ideas (98.6%). In addition, the major facilitators included “conducting clinically based research (100%), hiring of skilled nurses (98.6%), and managerial support (94.7%). The qualitative findings identified the major barriers that are time mismanagement, nurse to patient ratio, and limited support for research utilization. Hiring of clinical instructors, conduction of seminars, organizational support, development of research culture and development of audit department are major facilitators which nurses identified during the interview. Quantitative results converged with the qualitative results. There was infrequent divergence between quantitative and qualitative findings.

Conclusion: Findings from this study highlights the major barriers and facilitators to research utilization experienced by Pakistani nurses. Insufficient time, non-supportiveness of colleagues, and limited support are the top barriers to utilize research in practice. There is need of skilled nurses, managerial support, and conduction of educational activities to foster the culture of evidence-based practice among Pakistani nurses.

KEY WORDS: Research; Nurses; Nursing; Nursing Practice; Healthcare; Educational Activities; Evidence-Based Practice; Workshops; Pakistan.