Alternative format doctorate : an exploration of the role of PhD by publication in developing research skills to advance practice

De Souza, Joanna and Gillett, Karen (2025) Alternative format doctorate : an exploration of the role of PhD by publication in developing research skills to advance practice. International Journal for advancing practice, 3 (1). pp. 40-49.

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Abstract

Healthcare professionals can achieve key benefits by engaging in research in clinical settings. Advanced practitioners, nurses and other allied healthcare professionals can be effective facilitators between researchers, patients and other clinical staff in healthcare research projects. Although advanced practice roles require engagement with research activities, it is difficult to do so in the current financial climate. One way of developing the research skills to lead research projects is to pursue a PhD. There are different PhD research training routes. Alternative format PhD by publication, as a form of research training for advanced practitioners, can produce tangible benefits for practice development. Challenges include a lack of definition and guidelines, and the time required to generate acceptable publications. Benefits include a higher rate of publishing, valuable new knowledge and career development. Alternative format thesis by publication maybe a useful tool for advanced practitioners to conduct PhD level research training.