Rigor in PhD dissertation research

"More Areas of Grey": Ambiguities in Neuropalliative Care

Neuropalliative care as a clinical speciality aims to address the unique end-of-life needs and concerns of patients with neurologic disease. Although literature has outlined clinical hurdles, a more nuanced understanding of how neuropalliative care was experienced, conceptualized, and enacted could provide context and depth to better outline practice and research priorities. This article presents findings from an ethnographic study of neuropalliative care conducted in a university-affiliated, tertiary care neurological hospital in Canada with a dedicated neuropalliative consultation service. Specifically, this article examines how clinical hurdles outlined in the neuropalliative literature were experienced and addressed by multiple stakeholders, including patients, families, and clinicians. These clinical hurdles include locating the scope of neuropalliative care, ascertaining the impact of prognostic uncertainty and poor recognition of the dying patient, and navigating the tensions between curative and palliative philosophies. In the discussion, the implications of these clinical hurdles are addressed, concluding with reflections on the role of ethnography, palliative care in the context of functional changes, and broadening approaches to uncertainty.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Future of Nursing Scholars program: The scholar experience

BACKGROUND

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Future of Nursing Scholars program used multi-pronged approach to support nurses completing accelerated PhD programs.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this manuscript was to describe scholars' experiences completing PhDs, their dissertation characteristics, program leadership development sessions, scholar perceptions of program components.

METHODS

Of 201 scholars, 157 (78%) completed quantitative exit surveys, providing: satisfaction with doctoral programs and FNS curricula, types of dissertation data used, dissertation formats. Interviews held with five scholars to capture representative themes.

FINDINGS

Scholars utilized primary and secondary data for dissertations; 53% primarily used secondary data. The majority (68%) used manuscript dissertation formats. Approximately 64% completely agreed program curricula helped prepare them for professional transitions, to work collaboratively, lead confidently. Proportion of FNS graduates (42%) pursuing postdoctoral positions exceeded national trends.

DISCUSSION

Despite stresses posed by accelerated PhD programs, scholars are well-situated to advance nursing science. Findings suggest secondary data analyses work well for accelerated programs. Scholar program experiences were positive.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Future of Nursing Scholars program: An overview

BACKGROUND

Following the 2010 report, "The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health," Robert Wood Johnson Foundation created the Future of Nursing Scholars program to increase the number of PhD-prepared nurses who could assume leadership roles earlier in their careers by shortening the PhD education trajectory and developing leadership skills.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper is to describe the state of the field at program launch, the program development, and operations.

METHODS

A descriptive narrative was used, which relied on literature review focused on nursing PhD program completion and presentation of FNS program objectives and findings.

FINDINGS

Nurses from 46 schools pursued their PhDs as Future of Nursing Scholars. As of May 1, 2022, 181 scholars graduated with 20 scholars still enrolled. Preliminary results suggest accelerate PhD programs featuring intensive mentoring and financial support can produce well-prepared nurse researchers ready for postdoctoral positions and leadership roles.

DISCUSSION

Program attributes including financial support and leadership development initiatives may be replicated.

The impact of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Future of Nursing Scholars Program on scholars, schools and nursing science

BACKGROUND

The Future of Nursing Scholars program prepared a cadre of PhD prepared nurses for long-term careers advancing science and discovery, strengthening nursing education, and leading transformational change in health care.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this manuscript was to describe the program's impact on Scholars' outcomes, nursing schools, and perceived impact on nursing science.

METHODS

An independent program evaluation was conducted, including interviewing representatives from schools and reviewing Scholars' Curriculum Vitae.

FINDINGS

Two hundred one scholars were supported across 45 institutions. To date, 181 scholars graduated within 3.1 years, on average. Most graduates reported holding appointments in academic institutions. School representatives believed the program supported rapid entry into the field, longer research trajectories, and will improve the nursing faculty pipeline.

DISCUSSION

The program achieved its goal of developing cohorts of PhD prepared nurses poised for long-term careers. It provided "proof of concept" on high-quality accelerated PhD education for students well matched with mentors, and elevated the national conversation on PhD education.