The impact of research findings on current practice in relieving postpartum perineal pain in a large district general hospital

In order to study the impact of research findings on current clinical practice 100 members of midwifery and medical staff of a large district general hospital were surveyed regarding their treatment of postpartum perineal pain. Of the 76 who responded only 20 (26%) referred to research findings to support their clinical practice and in only one case was the research appropriate to the population in question. Important research findings were not applied, while the majority of the reported practice was not research-based. Research-based practice is not only the responsibility of the individual clinician but also of those at educational and management levels. Local strategies should be developed and resources made available to facilitate research utilisation and implementation.