A scoping review of Finnish doctoral dissertations in older people nursing science

Abstract Scientific research is important in guiding the development of evidence-based, cost-effective and comprehensive healthcare. The purpose of this scoping review was to analyse the current stage of research in the field of older people nursing science based on doctoral dissertations completed in Finnish universities. Altogether 418 doctoral dissertations in nursing science were published (1990–2015), and 44 of these (11%) represented older people nursing. The majority of the dissertations focused on patient and family or nursing activities. Usual topics were care procedures and clinical nursing (36%); self-care ability, independence (23%) and existence, being and feeling as an individual person (18%). Only one randomised controlled trial was conducted. The main informants were older people (78%) who were typically interviewed or surveyed. Research in older people nursing science in Finland is focusing on traditional clinical nursing settings. More innovative research is necessary from the perspective of health promotion and technological solutions