Exploring the Necessity of the Establishment of Doctor of Nursing Practice Program from expertise’s view; A Qualitative Study

Background: Complex healthcare landscape increasingly demands leaders who are adept at managing change in health care environments. The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) prepares nurses for the most advance level of clinical nursing practice. The aim of this study was to explore the necessity of the establishment of the DNP program in Iran from expertise’s view.Methods This study was conducted using a qualitative approach. The participants included thirteen faculty members and PhD candidates who were selected through a purposive sampling. Data were collected through focus group and semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.Results Qualitative data analysis resulted in two main categories: “provide infrastructures” and “DNP: as an opportunity to drive positive changes” with two categories respectively.Conclusion The findings showed although DNP as an opportunity to drive positive changes is necessary in the nursing education, but inadequate resources, cultural, social, and economic differences in the developing countries especially in Iran, are important limitations of the implementation of the DNP. Therefore, a multidisciplinary collaboration to provide a well-integrated means of meeting the needs of the patients recommended for better designing of the DNP and break down the obstacles.