An evaluation of how well research reports facilitate the use of findings in practice.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze how research is reported in journal publications as a potential barrier to use of research findings in practice.


METHODS
Content analysis of 46 reports of diabetes self-management interventions published between 1993 and 2004.


METHODS
Data were extracted from the publications using a coding scheme based on concepts from Rogers' theory of the diffusion of innovations.


RESULTS
Authors provided only some of the information potential users need to progress through Roger's stages of adopting an intervention and implementing it in practice. Authors provided only limited information on the target population; frequency, number, and duration of patient contacts; expertise and training required to deliver the intervention; intervention protocol; and the process of adapting and implementing interventions in practice settings.


CONCLUSIONS
To close the gap between research and practice, authors should offer more information to help readers decide whether and how to adopt and implement interventions.
Leeman
Jennifer
J
School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7460, USA. jleeman@email.unc.edu
Jackson
Beatrice
B
Sandelowski
Margarete
M
D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research; D011582:Psychological Theory; D014956:Writing