Dissemination of doctor of nursing practice project findings: Benefits and challenges associated with publishing in healthcare journals

Abstract

Background: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs require a project to improve outcomes in a health care setting. However, dissemination methods vary.

Purpose: This evaluation examined benefits and challenges associated with submitting project manuscripts to a peer-reviewed health care journal in a DNP program with this requirement.

Methods: Benefits and challenges were assessed with surveys completed by 85 DNP program alumni and 28 DNP mentors and by interviewing 5 faculty who teach in the DNP program and 5 editors of nursing journals.

Findings: Benefits of completing a manuscript included sharing knowledge to improve health care outcomes and enhancing nursing scholarship. Among alumni, 81% reported manuscript development was beneficial and 69% published their work. Most students, most faculty, and all editors endorsed the requirement with alternatives for projects lacking rigor or innovation. Challenges included need for faculty involvement and editorial/statistical resources.

Discussion: Despite challenges, there are benefits of publishing rigorous and innovative DNP work.

Keywords: DNP manuscript requirement; DNP scholarly projects; Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP); Writing for publication.