Effects of the purchaser/provider split on research implementation

The issues surrounding the use of research to inform practice and the potential problems involved in this process have been the subject of debate within nursing for many years. The purchaser/provider relationship has led to an increase in the number of challenges nursing encounters regarding the implementation of research. These challenges and relationships, which will either promote or prevent the implementation of research in nursing practice, are explored using Nolan and Grant's (1993) framework. The analysis concludes that implementation of nursing research needs to be part of the contracting process involving shared dialogue between purchasers and providers. Discussions on clinical effectiveness need to include nursing evidence as part of the health-care contracting process. Professionals involved in contracting require equal knowledge about research and joint professional values in order to support its implementation within contracting appropriately.