Nursing Doctorate Issues, Challenges and Expected Changes Across Europe: A Rapid Review and Experts' Opinion

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Palese A., Taşkıran Eskici G., Bitolkoska K., Dussi G., Magro G., Moreal C., ...Daha Fazla

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, cilt.1, sa.1, ss.1-17, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 1 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1111/jan.70300
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Academic Search Premier, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, AgeLine, CINAHL, Communication & Mass Media Index, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Gender Studies Database, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-17
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

ABSTRACT

Aims: Updating recent reviews and enriching the available evidence with expert opinions on the challenges and expected reforms needed in doctoral education across Europe.Design: A dual design based on a rapid review and an online survey.Data Source/Review Method: The PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus databases were searched for studies published between

January 2020 and June 2025 using the terms “PhD” AND “nursing”. In parallel, an online survey with open- ended questions was

distributed to a purposive sample of academic experts in each European country. Findings from the literature were juxtaposed

and integrated with the data from the expert survey and integrated.Results: A total of 23 studies and 26 expert opinions. Doctoral nursing education in Europe is facing seven key challenges regarding: (1) institutions and their structure, (2) supervision, (3) candidates, (4) research process and outcomes, (5) professional

development and career progression, (6) international collaboration and (7) paradigm-related concerns. Six anticipated changes/

recommendations were identified in (1) structural and policy reforms, (2) supervision and mentoring, (3) candidate recruitment,

retention and support, (4) financial and institutional support, (5) professional development and career recognition, (6) collaboration and internationalisation. While some challenges and changes were confirmed by the literature, others emerged from the

experts' insights.Conclusions: Complex challenges are faced by European doctoral nursing education, some under-researched as issues of supervision and candidate experience. Strengthening structures, mentorship and international collaboration is essential to align

education with academic standards and healthcare needs.Implications for Profession and/or Patient Care: Efforts are needed at the European level to strengthen doctoral education

in nursing to ensure well-prepared academic and clinical nurses.Impact: Findings may support in the development of more cohesive and high-quality doctoral nursing programs across Europe

and inform targeted reforms.