Research priorities according to Dutch NICU nurses

Purpose: To study prioritisation regarding research subjects according to nurses who provide care in Dutch neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Design: A national multicentre cross-sectional survey among all neonatal intensive care nurses. A digital questionnaire, based on the results of a former Delphi study, with open questions added, was used for data collection. Results: 294 direct-care nurses of 9 NICUs prioritised research statements. Top five statement in descending order are: optimal nursing staffing levels, pain and stress, sepsis management and care, healthcare team communication and collaboration, the care of the mechanically ventilated infant. Nurses stated they need more communication about research to feel more involved. They also want to learn more about the set-up of research and how to search, assess and interpret literature. Conclusion: These research priorities can be used as a guide to explore and perform further, most desired nursing research and avoid research waste.