Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
Overview
The University of Toronto, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) Degree is designed to prepare scientists with the analytical and research skills required for the study of clinical or administrative nursing problems. The completion of a thesis forms a major component of the program.
Graduates demonstrate:
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superior understanding of the theoretical foundations of nursing science;
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a broad appreciation of the relationship between nursing science and the scientific basis of other health disciplines;
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in-depth knowledge and specialization related to a selected aspect of nursing science;
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the ability to design and conduct research studies of relevance and importance to nursing science;
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commitment to ethical scholarship and collaboration in the furthering of knowledge, with a critical and objective perspective on research; and
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the ability to contribute to the education of undergraduate and graduate nursing students.
Fields of Study
1 Effective Care and Health Outcomes
The focus of this research field is on rigorous evaluations of conventional and innovative forms of nursing and health care, using randomized controlled trials, theory-driven evaluations, and systematic reviews of the evidence. Studies are conducted in formal and informal health care settings, addressing a wide variety of health and illness issues in, for example, maternal-newborn health, cancer care, genetics, critical care, cardiovascular disease, acute and chronic pain in adults, infants and children, and in the area of sleep. The Randomized Controlled Trials Unit is housed within this field, as a resource for faculty and students designing and conducting randomized trials.
The required course in the ECHO field is NUR 1087, “Foundations of Clinical Research.”
2 Critical Approaches to Health and Health Care
Scholars in this research field explore issues in health and health care using a range of critical and social theories as a foundation. The work of this eclectic group incorporates a number of research methodologies, with an emphasis on qualitative, participatory, and theoretical inquiry. Three strands of investigation are pursued. Several members of this field study health disparities that stem from interconnected and marginalizing social relations of gender, income inequality, disability, racism and heteronormativity. Others analyze the historical, ethical and political basis of health care. Finally, there is a strong focus on migration, and international/ global health.
The required course is NUR 1085, “Topics in Critical Perspectives in Health and Health Care.”
3 Nursing Health Systems
Nursing health systems research involves the application of research methods from social and health sciences, biostatistics, and economics, to investigate questions related to nursing and health services resource planning, organization, management, financing, and delivery. Research foci include health human resources, nurse migration, nursing effectiveness, nursing and health outcomes, nurse costing, quality work environments, health care teams, technology, patient safety, and nursing leadership. The Nursing Effectiveness, Utilization, and Outcomes Research Unit is housed within this field.
The required course is NUR 1086, “Special Topics in Nursing/Health Services Research Methods.”