CRNA-conducted research: is it being done?

An emphasis on research was established with the 1998 Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) requirement that all nurse anesthetists graduate with a master's level of education. Nursing research is essential to expand the profession's knowledge base and to establish a foundation for evidence-based practice. However, to date there are no existing data indicating whether practicing CRNAs are conducting research or to what extent. The purpose of this study was to determine whether research is conducted by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and what factors influence whether CRNAs engage in research. A quantitative descriptive design was used. Random sampling from the total AANA membership roster was done. A questionnaire developed by the researchers and evaluated by content experts was used to obtain data after the questionnaire was validated with a pilot study. Of 370 questionnaires mailed, 173 (46.8%) were returned. Results revealed a small percentage of CRNAs are involved in the research process at some level. The majority of CRNAs conducting research did not receive preparation in the research process from their educational curriculum. There was a significant relationship between working in a teaching hospital and whether CRNAs conducted research. Many barriers were identified.