title: A consideration of contemporary factors influencing professional development in health research.
abstract: Numerous contemporary factors, including issues pertaining to continuing education and professional development, influence nursing careers in all areas of health research. This article provides an overview of international trends, practices, and questions that impinge on nurse educators and health researchers. These factors include the status of randomized controlled trials, the influence of evidence-based practice, gaps between research results and patient requirements, and the relationships between available evidence and clinical decision making. Added to this research and evidence environment are government concerns about the relevance and usefulness of health research. Finally, the questions an individual career researcher may ask, specifically regarding specialization versus a broad research agenda, are considered.
authors.affiliation: Research Unit, Sydney South West Area Mental Health Service, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Michelle L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Cleary
authors.forename: Garry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Walter
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Horsfall
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matheson
mesh_terms: D002321:Career Choice; D002322:Career Mobility; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D011361:Professional Competence; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000451:nursing; D012107:Research Design; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration*