Southern Health Nursing Research Centre

Background

The Partnership between Deakin University and Southern Health was established in May, 2006 with the appointment of the Inaugural, Deakin - Southern Health Chair in Nursing, Professor Beverly O'Connell. The purpose of this appointment is to provide professional leadership in the areas of nursing research and practice across Deakin University and Southern Health. This partnership has resulted in the development of the Deakin - Southern Health Nursing Research Centre which is based at Monash Medical Centre, Clayton Campus. The Nursing research Centre conducts research activities across all Southern Health sites.

Vision

To be nationally and internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in nursing research in the areas of Quality, Safety and Risk Management.

Aim

To conduct high quality research that informs clinical practice, policy development and education.

Objectives

• To conduct a research program in the areas of quality, safety and risk management; thereby enhancing the independence and wellbeing of individuals in clinical and aged care settings.
• To encourage and support nurse clinicians to participate in research activities.
• To promote the integration of research findings into educational programs, health care policy and clinical practice.
• To develop and support research collaboration between Southern Health, Deakin University and industry partner.

Current Research Activities

We aim to develop innovative strategies to; manage clinical risks and symptoms and support clinical decision making. In addition, our programs integrate knowledge and research to promote the development of novel healthcare delivery models and workforce education.

• Risk Management;
  • Falls Prevention
  • Medication management
  • Discharge Planning

• Symptom management
  • Continence assessment and management

• Healthcare delivery models
• Workforce support and development
• Evaluation of the integration of research into practice

Research Staff

Chair in Nursing: Professor Beverly O'Connell, ((Director of QRM) RN, MSci, PhD, FRCNA.

Research Fellow: Ms Joan Ostaszkiewicz RN MNurs

Research Asssistants: Ms Cherene Kelly BA(Hons)
                                 Ms Susan Johnson RN MPH

Contact Details

Deakin - Southern Health Nursing Research Centre

Level 4

246 Clayton Road

Clayton , Victoria , 3168

Telephone: 9594 4240

Email: beverly.oconnell@deakin.edu.au