health_sciencesCARE Collaboration

CARE Collaboration

CARE Collaboration

The Clinical and Academic Research Excellence project between the Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit South East, Health Service Executive has been in place since 2009.

The aim of this collaboration is to utilise the research expertise available within the Department of Nursing and Health Care Waterford Institute of Technology to support Nursing  and Clinical Services within the  Health Service Executive in developing new knowledge that will enhance clinical practice in the region and beyond. Funding in excess of €900,000 has enabled 3 PhD projects and 2 MSc projects to be completed to date with 6 more MSc/ PhD projects  currently underway. 

Neil  Crowhurst

(Community Mental Health Nurse Waterford Wexford Mental Health Services): Retrospective Case Analysis of Serious Untoward Incidences in Mental Health Services: Supervisors Dr Michael Bergin and Prof John Wells

This study will examine serious untoward incidences in mental health services with a view to the identification of the nature of the incidences as they relate to service structures, levels of contact with services and skillmix, utilising a social ecological model. 

Lenora Fitzgerald

(PHN Waterford Comm Care Services): Urinary Catherisation in the Community Setting: Supervisors Dr Linda Sheahan and Dr Kate Madden

Using a randomised control trial, the project aims to investigate the impact of the length of time between changes of night-time drainage system (using an intervention and comparative intervention) on the occurrence of catheter associated urinary tract infection  in patients with long-term urinary catheters in a community setting.

Fiona McKiernan 

(ARI lead Recovery  Carlow Kilkenny South Tipperary Mental Health): Using a mixed methods approach to examine a recovery model in Mental Health Services: Supervisors Dr Michael Bergin and Prof John Wells

This study will use a mixed methods approach to examine a recovery model in the Carlow, Kilkenny South Tipperary Mental Health Services.

Heather Jennings

(Midwife University Hospital Waterford) :  Exploring the detection and care of infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip. Supervisors- Dr Linda Sheahan  & Dr Martina Gooney

This study is using a mixed methods approach to examine the detection of  developmental dysplasia of the hip using both a  retrospective examination of case notes and in-depth qualitative interviews with carers , including families so as to foster a greater understanding of the experiences of parents attending a DDH clinic with their infants

Evan Matthews: 

Using Experience Based Co-design to develop an exercise intervention for mental service users. Supervisors: Dr Suzanne Denieffe & Dr Mary Cowman

This study is using experience based co-design to develop an exercise intervention for mental service users.  Phase 1 included an examination of physical activity levels and determinants of activity among mental  health  service users.  Later phases will  include interviews with key stakeholders, forming a working group to develop an exercise training tool and evaluating same.

Patricia Hunt

(Oncology Nursing CNS  Background): Compassion fatigue in oncology health care professionals: relationship to empathy and emotional intelligence. Supervisors: Dr Suzanne Denieffe & Dr Martina Gooney

 This is a national study on compassion fatigue, burnout, empathy and emotional intelligence in oncology health care professionals. The aim to is examine levels and relationships between  these variables  so as to aid in identifying those who may be at risk of compassion fatigue. 

Martina McKnight

(Clinical Nurse Manager Oncology Background): Colo-rectal cancer survivors’  symptoms and quality of life- developing a care protocol. Supervisors: Dr Suzanne Denieffe, Dr  Martina Gooney and Dr Claire O’Gorman

This study is being undertaken in collaboration with the National Cancer Registry of Ireland and is examining symptoms and quality of life in colo-rectal cancer survivors. The study  includes  quantitative data on symptoms and quality of life  and qualitative interviews with survivors and health care professionals. The  aim is to develop a  care protocol to help this cohort deal with their symptoms in survivorship. 

Maria Beagan

(PHN Waterford Community Care):  An investigation of the role of the registered nurse in relation to the changing context and dynamic of care and work force planning – a mixed methods design using a case study.  Supervisors: Prof John Wells and Dr  Michael Bergin

This study will combine interviews with clinical staff (nurses and health care assistants)  and observation of direct care interactions  in the context and dynamic of care and work force planning

  • Claire Hayes (Staff Nurse Waterford Wexford Mental Health Services) : Award MSc.  Organisational issues surrounding the merger of two acute psychiatric services in the South-East of Ireland
  • Claire O’Gorman (ICU nurse  South Tipperary General Hospital) :  Award PhD. Symptom Presentation & Quality of Life in Rectal Cancer Patients
  • Louise Bennett (Theatre Nurse Wexford General Hospital):  PhD student. Empowerment in Epilepsy Patients
  • Annette Cullen Murphy (Midwife University Hospital Waterford) - Award PhD.  The Provision of Antenatal Care for Low Risk Pregnant Women in the South Eastern Region of Ireland: An Exploratory Study
  • Fiona Kelly (Midwife/ Practice Nurse)–  Award MSc. An exploration of Compassional Care in an Older Adult Care Service
  • Mary Reidy(Intellectual Disability Nurse) – Award PhD . Cancer awareness and screening in women with intellectual disabilities

Peer Reviewed  Publications

Bennett L, Bergin M, Wells JSG. 2016 The social space of empowerment within epilepsy services: The map is not the terrain’. Epilepsy & Behavior 56: 139-148

Bennett L, Bergin M, Wells JSG. 2015 The potential of critical social theory as an educational framework for people with epilepsy.  Epilepsy & Behavior 43:80-87.

Bennett L, Bergin M, Wells JSG.  2015 Epilepsy services in Ireland: A survey of people with epilepsy in relation to satisfaction, preferences and information provision. Epilepsy Research 113:11-18.

Hunt, P., Gooney, M., Denieffe, S (2016). Compassion fatigue and Burnout in Nursing: Relationships with Empathy. Journal of Research in Nursing. (Accepted).

Jennings H, Gooney M, Sheahan L     11/16       Exploring the experiences of parents caring for an infant with Developmental Dysplasia of the hip attending a dedicated clinic.  International Journal of Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing. Journal Article

Murphy A., Gooney M.,Chesser-Smyth P and Sheahan L (2012) Antenatal options: Developing midwife-led services in Ireland. World of Irish Nursing and Midwifery (WIN)- Journal of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation: Vol 20 (9) 49-51

Murphy A., Foley M., Chesser-Smyth P., Sheahan L and Wells J.S.W (2014) An Exploratory Survey of Low Risk Pregnant Women’s Perceptions of Antenatal Care and Services in Southern Ireland. International Journal of Childbirth: In press

O'Gorman, C, Barry A, Denieffe S, Sasiadek W and Gooney M. (2015) Nursing Implications: Symptom Presentation & Quality of Life in Rectal Cancer Patients, Journal of Clinical Nursing, ;25(9-10):1395-404.

O'Gorman C, Denieffe S and Gooney, M. (2014) 'Literature review: preoperative radiotherapy and rectal cancer - impact on acute symptom presentation and quality of life', Journal of Clinical Nursing, 23(3-4), pp.333-351.

O'Gorman C, Sasiadek W, Denieffe S. and Gooney M. (2014) 'Predicting Radiotherapy-Related Clinical Toxicities in Cancer: A Literature Review', Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 18(3), pp 1-8.

O’Gorman, C. (2014) ‘Bridging the theoretical gap’, Nursing Standard, 28(33), pp. 66.

Reidy M. Denieffe S. Foran S. 2014 Cancer screening in women with intellectual disabilities: An Irish perspective. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities 18(1) 51-60

Reidy M. Denieffe S.  Foran S. 2015 Cancer awareness and screening in women with intellectual disabilities: An Irish perspective. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities 28(1) 57

Conference Presentations

Bennett L., Bergin M., Wells J.S.G (2013) The potential of critical social theory as a philosophical framework for the study of empowerment and epilepsy care. Presented at the 13th Annual interdisciplinary research conference, Trinity College Dublin 5th - 7th November 2013.

Bennett L, Bergin M, Wells JSG. 11/16 Empowerment within Irish epilepsy services: An exploratory analysis.  17th Annual interdisciplinary research conference, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Oral presentation

McCarthy M, Bennett L, Wells JSG, Bergin M. 11/15 Mental Health Care Provision and People with Epilepsy: An Exploratory Analysis. 16th Healthcare Interdisciplinary Research Conference, Health, Wellbeing and Innovation: Advancing research, practice and education. School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Oral presentation.

Bennett L, Bergin M, Wells JSG. 04/15 Epilepsy services in Ireland: ‘A survey of people with epilepsy in relation to satisfaction, preferences and information provision’. 5th Annual Research Day. Connect, Innovate, Inspire. Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland. Oral presentation

Bennett L, Bergin M, Wells JSG.  02/14 Patients’ perspectives of epilepsy services: A survey of patient satisfaction, preferences and information provision in people with epilepsy. 33rd Annual International Nursing & Midwifery Research Conference, RCSI Dublin, Ireland. Oral presentation

Bennett L, Bergin M, Wells JSG.  11/14 The potential of Friere’s Critical Social Theory as an approach for the study of education and people with epilepsy. 14th Annual interdisciplinary research conference, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Oral presentation

Bennett L, Bergin M, Wells JSG. 11/13 The potential of Critical Social Theory as a philosophical framework for the study of empowerment and epilepsy care. 13th Annual interdisciplinary research conference, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. Oral presentation.

Hayes C., Bergin M., Wells J. (2012) Organisational issues surrounding the merger of two acute psychiatric services in the South-East of Ireland, 13th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference, 7-8th November, School of Nursing, Trinity College, Dublin

Hayes, C., Bergin, M. and Wells J. G. (2012) Facilitating a ‘smooth transition’ for the reconfiguration of acute mental health services in the South-East of Ireland ‘The Irish Institute of Mental Health Nursing. Symposium III’, Athlone Institute of Technology (2012)

Hayes, C; Bergin, M. and Wells JSG. (2012)Steering through organisational change in acute psychiatric services 'Celebration of Research, Innovation, Scholarship & Creativity Conference', Waterford Institute of Technology (2012) http://youtu.be/48R0FXtygO8

Jennings H, Gooney M, Sheahan L.   11/15        Exploring the detection and care of infants with Developmental Dysplasia of the hip. 16th Healthcare Interdisciplinary Research Conference, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. Oral Presentation.

Jennings H, Gooney M, Sheahan L.   03/16       Exploring the experiences of parents caring for an infant with Developmental Dysplasia of the hip attending a dedicated clinic. Annual International Nursing & Midwifery Research & Education Conference, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland. Oral Presentation. 

Jennings H, Gooney M, Sheahan L.    04/16       Developmental Dysplasia of the hip DDH) Nursing care & support for parents. National Orthopaedic Nurses Conference 2016 Cappagh Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Guest speaker.

Jennings H, Gooney M, Sheahan L.    05/16      Developmental Dysplasia of the hip (DDH) Parent satisfaction survey of using a dedicated DDH Clinic. WIT Research Day 2016, Waterford, Ireland. Oral Presentation.

Jennings H, Gooney M, Sheahan L.    10/16      Exploring the screening and incidence rates of infants with Developmental Dysplasia of the hip. 17th Healthcare Interdisciplinary Research Conference, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. Oral Presentation.

O'Gorman C, Denieffe S and Gooney, M. (2013) Preoperative Radiotherapy & Rectal Cancer: Impact on Acute Symptom Presentation & Quality of Life. Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery 32nd Annual International Nursing Research Conference 2013, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 20th - 21st February 2013 (Oral Paper).

O'Gorman C, Denieffe S and Gooney M. (2014) Chemoradiotherapy & rectal cancer: symptoms, quality of life & tumour response - the influence of CEA & circulating cytokines. 14th Trinity Healthcare Interdisciplinary

O’ Gorman C , Denieffe S and Gooney M. Research Conference & Student Colloquium 2013, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 5th - 7th November 2013 (Oral Paper).

Reidy M. Denieffe S. Foran S. 02/14 Oral Presentation:  Title: Cancer awareness and screening in women with intellectual disabilities in Ireland 33rd Annual International Nursing Conference RCSI Dublin, Ireland

Reidy M. Denieffe S. Foran S. 11/13 Oral Presentation:  Title: Cancer awareness and screening in women with intellectual disabilities 6th Annual Sibéal  Conference Belfast, Northern Ireland

Conference Poster Presentations 

Bennett L., Bergin M., Wells J.S.G (2014) Patients’ perspectives of epilepsy services: a survey of patient satisfaction, preferences and information provision in people with epilepsy. Presented at the 33rd Annual International Nursing & Midwifery Research Conference, RCSI Dublin, 20th February 2014.                                                                                                                                                                          

Bennett L, Bergin M, Wells JSG.  12/15 Empowerment in Irish epilepsy services: A Systems study. Nursing Conference- A changing workforce for 21st century health care- winning or losing?  Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland. Poster presentation.

Bennett L, Bergin M, Wells JSG.  11/14 Empowerment in Irish epilepsy services: A Systems study. 4th National Patient Safety Conference at Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland. Poster presentation

Bennett L, Bergin M, Wells JSG. 05/13 Empowerment in Irish epilepsy services: A Systems study. 4th Annual Research Day Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland. Poster presentation

Hunt P, Denieffe S, Gooney M 11/16  Compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue in cancer nurses:
relationships to empathy European Oncology Nurses Conference

Jennings H, Gooney M, Sheahan L.   05/15       Exploring the detection and care of infants with Developmental Dysplasia of the hip. WIT Research day 2015, Waterford, Ireland. Poster Presentation.

Jennings H, Gooney M, Sheahan L.   11/15        Exploring the experiences of parents caring for an infant with Developmental Dysplasia of the hip. University Hospital Waterford Research Day, Waterford, Ireland. Poster Presentation.

Jennings H, Gooney M, Sheahan L.    12/15        Exploring the experiences of parents caring for an infant with Developmental Dysplasia of the hip. Waterford Institute of Technology O’Connell Bianconi Building- Nursing Conference, Waterford Ireland. Poster presentation.

Matthews E Cowman M Denieffe S 2016  Physical activity behaviours of rehabilitation and recovery mental health service users in Ireland. HSE Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds.

Matthews E Cowman M Denieffe S 2016  Physical activity behaviours of rehabilitation and recovery mental health service users. University Hospital Waterford Research Meeting.

Matthews E Cowman M Denieffe S 2016  Promoting physical activity for service users with serious mental illness in rehabilitation and recovery. All Ireland Postgraduate Conference in Physical activity and Sport Science.

Matthews E Cowman M Denieffe S 2015Physical activity promotion for Rehabilitation and Recovery Mental Health service users in the South- East of Ireland. Department of Nursing & Healthcare, Waterford Institute of Technology Conference,

Murphy A (2010) ‘Launching an antenatal education day for antenatal education facilitators in the South-East of Ireland’ WIT School of Nursing Conference- theme- Florence Nightingale

Murphy, A., Chesser-Smyth, P. and Sheahan, L., (2011) An exploration of the perceptions of low risk pregnant women and their care providers regarding antenatal care services -WIT Research Day-‘Celebration of Research, Innovation, Scholarship and Creativity’ 13th April 2011-Poster presentation - Poster 3rd Place Murphy,

A., Chesser-Smyth, P. and Sheahan, L., (2011) Pathways in Irish Antenatal Care Services -The Coombe Women’s and Infant’s University Hospital Conference -‘The Essence of Midwifery Care Conference-Hot Topics’ 5th May 2011-Poster presentation-

Murphy, A., Chesser-Smyth, P., and Sheahan, L., (2011) ‘The Road Less Travelled in Irish Antenatal Care Services’ -Celebrating Nursing Week at WRH- 20th September 2011Poster prize 1st place

Murphy, A., Chesser-Smyth, P., and Sheahan, L., (2011) - The Road Less Travelled in Irish Antenatal Care Services’ Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) Annual Joint Midwives Conference – ‘Making it right when things go wrong’ 13th Oct 2011, Poster Presentation- 153

Murphy, A., Gooney, M., Chesser-Smyth, P. and Sheahan, L., (2012) ‘Finding the Way- Establishing Midwifery-Led Referral Pathways in the South’ -RSCI International Conference- poster presentation "Nursing and Midwifery Practice in a Global Community: Collaborating and Networking for the Future”. 23rd February 2012, Poster presentation-

Murphy, A., Chesser-Smyth, P., and Sheahan, L., (2012) – ‘Which way to go?’’ Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) Annual Joint Midwives Conference – ‘Every woman needs a midwife and some need a Doctor too!’’

O'Gorman C, Denieffe S and Gooney, M. (2012) Radiotherapy and rectal cancer: side effects, quality of life & predicting outcomes during treatment. Waterford Institute of Technology Research Day, Waterford 2nd - 3rd May 2012 (Poster).

Reidy M. Denieffe S. Foran S. 11/14   Title: EMBRACES-ID (Early Monitoring of Breast And Cervical Cancer Signs & Screening in Intellectual Disabilities) Inaugural University Hospital Waterford Research Meeting. Waterford, Ireland

Reidy M. Denieffe S Foran S. 11/13  Title: Cancer awareness and screening in women with intellectual disabilities- An Irish perspective. IASSID/MAMH International Conference 2013 Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Reidy M. Denieffe S. Foran S. 04/13   Title: Cancer awareness and screening in women with intellectual disabilities. WIT Research Day 2013 Waterford, Ireland