Muraraneza C, Mtshali N, Bvumbwe T. Challenges in postgraduate research supervision in nursing education: Integrative review.
NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2020;
89:104376. [PMID:
32203748 DOI:
10.1016/j.nedt.2020.104376]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM
The aim of this study was to investigate challenges associated with postgraduate research supervision in nursing education and possible implications for improvement efforts.
BACKGROUND
Postgraduate research-based programs in nursing education are particularly new compared to other professions. Anecdotal notes from nursing education stakeholders indicate that postgraduate research supervision encounters numerous challenges, with negative consequences for the nursing profession and for society.
METHOD
Integrative review that combines empirical and theoretical evidence was used to obtain a comprehensive picture of challenges in the supervision of postgraduate research.
DATA SOURCES
EBSCOhost; Science Direct; Google Scholar.
REVIEW METHODS
The quality of included studies was appraised using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool for quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method studies. Two reviewers extracted data and did quality appraisal.
ANALYSIS
Inductive content analysis was used to analyse extracted data from included studies.
RESULTS
Seven studies were included. Three main categories of challenges associated with (a) institutional context, (b) research supervisors, and (c) postgraduate students.
DISCUSSION
Institutional context challenges were lack of clear guidelines for nursing schools, limited pool of appropriate research supervisors, and recruitment of many postgraduate students leading to mismatch, confusion and limited support. Research supervisors are insufficiently prepared, predominantly use traditional face-to-face method, and provide inconsistent feedback. Postgraduate students are inadequately prepared and are mostly full-time employed.
CONCLUSION
Many challenges continue to beset postgraduate research supervision in nursing discipline, with negative consequences for the quality of graduates and the quality of their research output.
THE IMPLICATION FOR NURSING POLICY
To generate useful knowledge and increase the number of motivated nursing scholars, challenges associated with postgraduate research supervision need to be addressed, with emphasis on formal training for research supervisors and development of clear guidelines for postgraduate research supervision and for recruitment of postgraduate students.
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