Nursing Research
Nursing Research - Peter Mac Cancer Centre
| Nursing research at Peter Mac is firmly embedded in a multidisciplinary program of supportive care research. The focus of the research is on improving the experiences of people affected by cancer, from diagnosis through treatment and follow up. Projects range from descriptive studies focused on developing an understanding of peoples’ experiences, to the development and testing of novel nursing and supportive care interventions informed by patient data. The team works with all disciplines to facilitate the translation of evidence in routine practice and to measure the impact of evidence utilisation on patient outcomes. Nurse researchers are at the forefront of developing new ways of working with patients to improve the management of problems as menopausal symptoms, pain and fatigue. The development of sophisticated approaches to screening for distress and ameliorating the psychosocial impact of cancer and its treatment are also dominant features of the team’s research activity. For further information regarding current research projects and a full list of team members, please visit the website for the Department of Nursing and Supportive Care Research at [link to research website]. |
| Professor Sanchia Aranda, Director of Cancer Nursing Research RN, PhD |
| Sanchia has worked in cancer and palliative care since 1979, predominantly in research and teaching roles since 1989. Sanchia developed the cancer nursing curricula at both La Trobe University (1990) and the University of Melbourne (2000). Her research interests are predominantly in the areas of supportive care, symptom management and practice change. The goal of her research program centres on improving the delivery of health services and outcomes for people with cancer and their families. Sanchia has more than 60 publications in the form of refereed journal articles, book chapters and conference proceedings and has been joint editor on two significant Australian palliative care texts, one in its second edition. Sanchia is President of the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care and Head of School, Nursing and Social Work at Melbourne University |
| Mei Krishnasamy B.A. RN, MSc. PhD |
| Mei is Deputy Director of Cancer Nursing Research. She completed her PhD in 2004 which focused on cancer-related fatigue and is co-editor of a leading text – “Fatigue in Cancer”. She has been involved in a number of studies focusing on the assessment and management of symptoms related to cancer and its treatment. Mei has a particular interest in radiotherapy-related problems and is Chair of the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia’s Specialist Interest Radiotherapy Group. She is co-editor of the Australian Journal of Cancer Nursing. |
| Donna Milne RN, B.N. Grad Dip Cancer Nursing/Palliative care; Masters Nursing (Research); PhD Candidate |
| Donna is currently undertaking PhD studies with the University of Melbourne investigating patient readiness to accept, and health professional willingness to refer to palliative care services. Although enrolled full time, with hopes to finish by mid 2007, Donna remains involved in Peter Mac research and training activities through membership of the Expedited Review Committee, involvement in the Communications Skills Training Program and the highly successful Clinical Research Fellowship Program (CRF). |
