Priority-setting for nursing research in the Republic of China

The question of how public funds for research should be allocated has led t o participatory priority-setting in prosperous democracies like Taiwan, Rep ublic of China. Useful criteria for research priorities are scientific meri t, social benefit and feasibility. Taking a health needs approach and using these criteria, nearly 200 nurses from service and education in a national forum participated in describing research priorities. Through the group me thod of idea-writing, for clinical nursing, of high priority were assessing quality, care of the elderly, and preventing infectious disease. For nursi ng education, research addressing advanced role preparation and bridging nu rsing education and practice were priorities. For nursing management, resea rch of highest priority pertained to economic evaluation, personnel adminis tration, and effectiveness. These suggestions from the deliberation of a co mmitted group of nurses can help shape future national decisions about rese arch funding and training.