The process of gatekeeping in health care research

Lee, Polly MSc, RSCN, RGN, RM, DipN, ILTM

Polly Lee, MSc, RSCN, RGN, RM, DipN, ILTM, is lecturer in child health nursing, City University, St Bartholomew School of Nursing and Midwifery, London.

This article has been double-blind peer-reviewed.

For related articles on this subject and links to relevant websites see www.nursingtimes.net

Nursing Times 101(32):p 36-38, August 9, 2005.

Gatekeeping in health care research is the process of permitting or denying access to a selected research site. It is a complex process that researchers should be aware of as the process of gaining the confidence of the various gatekeepers is often time-consuming. This article identifies how gatekeeping occurs at various stages of the research process and highlights the reasons why some gatekeepers may deny access to researchers. It also offers strategies to minimise any problems associated with gatekeeping.