Anchoring PhD and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs through integration of real-world data and pragmatic research

Recently, there has been strong focus on applying pragmatic research (PR) methods and real-world data (RWD) in healthcare. These approaches allow researchers to test interventions in real-world settings. This field underscores the complementary roles of nursing PhD and DNP programs. The RWD-PR field can serve as a unifying anchor for both programs and may also reignite nurses' interest in the PhD pathway.

To present strategies for the development and implementation of the RWD-PR courses, along with findings from evaluations and lessons learned.

In a planning grant project, our interdisciplinary team developed and pilot-implemented an RWD-PR certificate program using a phased, co-design approach. Once developed, the courses were piloted virtually with PhD and DNP students.

Findings suggested significant potential for drawing on complementary strengths of both PhD and DNP programs in applying PR and RWD analytics.

This project contributes to the body of knowledge in doctoral nursing education and provides a scalable, adaptable framework for PhD-DNP partnerships that can advance nursing science and practice.