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

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.

Reporting Method

The rapid review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Patient/Public Involvement

This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.