PUBLIC-HEALTH NURSING RESEARCH PRIORITIES - A COLLABORATIVE DELPHI STUDY

The purpose of this study was to identify research questions and prior ities in public health nursing based on the perceived needs of practic ing public health nurses, and to assess whether the respondents believ ed that the profession should provide leadership in the study of the i dentified questions. Using a modified Delphi survey, 76 research prior ities were ranked and produced three factors or categories of question s during the two rounds: outcomes in maternal-child and family plannin g, outcomes in home health services, and public health nurse recruitme nt, retention, job satisfaction, and image. Forty-seven (62%) of the 7 6 priorities were deemed appropriate for nursing to assume leadership in seeking answers. Results reveal a consensus of research priorities generated by front-line nurses consistent with year 2000 health object ives for the nation.