Honours Nursing

The aim of the systematic review is to summarise nurses' experiences using pressure injury risk assessment tools in the acute care setting.

RQ1: What are the facilitators, barriers, and overall experiences of nurses' in conducting pressure injury risk assessment within the acute care setting?

RQ2: How can the process of conducting pressure injury risk assessment be improved for nurses in the acute care setting?

Student Role: A student will be able to undertake several activities to contribute to the research project and enable them to learn more about the process of research. Specifically, the student/s will be able to:

• update a systematic literature search
• contribute to systematic literature review processes
• contribute to publication draft.

Supervisor: Associate Professor Adam Burston adam.burston@acu.edu.au

Campus: Brisbane or hybrid for all campuses

A nurse-led intervention to manage fever, hyperglycaemia and swallowing (FeSS Protocols) in stroke units was shown to reduce death and disability for patients with stroke in the Quality in Acute Stroke Care (QASC) trial.1 As a result of this work, the FeSS variables have been included in national stroke audits in Australian hospitals since 2013, and have been available as an optional dataset in the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (AuSCR) since 2019. The aim of this research project is to: (i) examine if hospitals that enter FeSS data into AuSCR have better FeSS Protocol adherence in the national stroke audits compared to hospitals that do not enter FeSS data into AuSCR; and (ii) if adherence improves over time for hospitals that enter FeSS data into AuSCR. The student will be required to conduct a systematic review (and meta-analysis depending on the evidence) investigating the use of clinical registry data to improve the quality of stroke care. They will also be involved in data cleaning, analysis and presentation of the results for this project, providing them with valuable data analysis and manuscript writing skills.

Supervisors: this project will be supervised by Professor Sandy Middleton’s team from Nursing Research Institute. Contact: Ms Kelly Coughlan; Kelly.coughlan@acu.edu.au

Campus: Any campus but in-person supervision available at Sydney/Melbourne/Canberra campus

Reference

Middleton S, McElduff P, Ward J, et al. Implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols to manage fever, hyperglycaemia, and swallowing dysfunction in acute stroke (QASC): a cluster randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2011; 378(9804): 1699-706.

Culturally appropriate care remains a pressing issue in Australian aged care (or nursing homes), particularly for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) residents. This scoping review aims to map existing evidence on palliative care models and highlight how cultural values and practices influence care delivery in residential aged care settings. Through this project, the student will develop three key skills:

1. research and analytical skills by systematically reviewing literature using established frameworks;
2. an in-depth understanding of cultural competence, focusing on how CALD backgrounds shape care preferences and needs; and
3. development of an ability to translate findings into practice, inform culturally responsive care models, guide policy, and identify gaps for future research to support CALD populations better.

Supervisors:

Dr Flora He flora.he@acu.edu.au

Dr Minah Gaviola (external) Minah.Gaviola@newcastle.edu.au

Campus: All

This project will include a systematic review or a qualitative study exploring undergraduate nursing students’ experiences during a critical care placement. By identifying these experiences, the study aims to highlight the challenges students encounter, the opportunities for learning and skill development, and the overall impact on their confidence and preparedness for clinical practice. The findings will contribute to improving nursing education by informing curriculum development, preceptor support, and strategies to enhance student readiness for critical care environments.

Supervisors:

Associate Professor Fiona McDermid Fiona.mcdermid@acu.edu.au

Ms Tracy Parrish Tracy.parrish@acu.edu.au

Campus: Blacktown Campus (NSW)

The aim of this project is to help measure nurses' wellbeing and satisfaction at work. This is a fantastic project for a motivated student looking for an applied project working with many stakeholders. An ACU cross-disciplinary research team (psychology and nursing) are looking to develop and test a measurement instrument for aged care staff. You will learn about how best to measure wellbeing and mental health. This project will suit a student who likes structure and support and is good with detailed information.

The student will be able to:

• conduct a literature review
• review and critique existing measurement instruments
• co-develop and pilot test a new/revised instrument
• contribute to publication of result.

Supervisor:

Associate Professor Adam Burston adam.burston@acu.edu.au

 Dr Kirsten Challinor

Campus: Brisbane or hybrid for all campuses

Non-pharmacotherapy, such as acupuncture and acupressure, has gained recognition in global pain management guidelines. Despite its growing use and rebates in private health, integrating these therapies into hospital settings with Medicare coverage remains challenging. Recent studies reveal positive attitudes among healthcare professionals towards these therapies, but patient perspectives are limited. This review examines patient perceptions within the nursing paradigm of holistic care, aiming to inform the integration of non-pharmacological pain management strategies in hospital environments. Engaging in this review will develop vital research and manuscript writing skills essential for pursuing a PhD in an innovative field.

Project supervisor(s): Dr Nancy Zhang (nancy.zhang@acu.edu.au) 

Campus: Melbourne

A qualitative study that explores the perceptions of nurse clinicians about Evidence Based Practice (EBP). Even though the use of EBP improves patient outcomes, and is well accepted, however, the application of EBP process remains to be fully understood and applied by nurse clinicians. Literature indicates that there is room to improve on the application of EBP by nurses in the clinical setting. This project aims to explore the views of the nurse clinician and the use of evidence in the clinical setting. Semi-structured interviews will be used to collect data. By undertaking this project, the honours student will be involved in the whole process of conducting a research project and more specifically in collecting and analysing data; and will:

• Acquire and deepen knowledge and knowhow of conducting a research project.        
• Advance communication skills by working in a team and negotiating with nurse clinicians.       
• Acquire and sharpen research writing skills

Supervisor: Dr Christine Chisengantambu (North Sydney)

christine.chisengantambu@acu.edu.au

Campus: North Sydney

This project aims to explore the relationship between ICU and ED nurses through a systematic review or qualitative study. It will investigate how stereotypes, professional standards, and the unique challenges of each unit influence nurse interactions, collaboration, and perceptions of each other’s roles. By examining the dynamics between ICU and ED nurses, this research seeks to contribute to the understanding of interdisciplinary teamwork in critical care settings and provide insights for improving communication, collaboration, and care delivery

Supervisors:

Associate Professor Fiona McDermid Fiona.mcdermid@acu.edu.au

Ms Tracy Parrish Tracy.parrish@acu.edu.au

Campus: Blacktown Campus (NSW)

This project will be a qualitative study or systematic review exploring nurses' use of social media, focusing on their understanding of appropriate use, professional boundaries, and the relevance of social media to their practice. The study will investigate how nurses navigate the digital landscape, balancing personal expression with professionalism, and examine the implications of social media use for nursing practice, patient care, and workplace dynamics.

Supervisors:

Associate Professor Fiona McDermid Fiona.mcdermid@acu.edu.au

Ms Tracy Parrish Tracy.parrish@acu.edu.au

Campus: Blacktown Campus (NSW)

There is a strong relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV ) and animal abuse with a high prevalence of animal abuse in households with IPV (Cleary et al., 2021). Animal abuse is used as a form of control over the human victim of IPV, impacting their decision to leave the violent relationship or seek support (Cleary et al., 2021; Montgomery et al., 2024). Animal abuse had long-lasting psychological impacts to both the human and animal victims (Cleary et al.,2021), with some situations requiring forced separation of the IPV victim from their pet leading to high risk for emotional trauma, stress and guilt (Montgomery et al., 2024).

Research Aim: To examine the role of pets in the decision-making processes of women in a violent relationship to their decision to stay in, or leave, the relationship, and seeking support for themselves and their pets.

Methodology: This project will utilise a survey approach by combining and modifying 2 validated surveys.

1. Partner’s Treatment of Animals Scale (PTAS) – this is a 21-item survey designed to measure animal abuse specifically within the context of intimate partner violence (Fitzgerald., et al., 2016)
2. Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) – this is a 78-item survey instrument that measures type and severity of conflict within relationships. (Strauss et al, 1996)

References

• Cleary, M., Thapa, D.K., West, S., Westman, M., & Kornhaber, R. (2021). Animal abuse in the context of adult intimate partner violence: A systematic review. Aggression and Violent Behavior,61, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2021.101676
• Fitzgerald, A., Barrett, B., Shwom, R., Stevenson, R., & Chernyak, E. (2016). Development of the Partner’s Treatment of Animals Scale. Anthrozoös, 29(4), 611–625. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2016.1228760
• Montgomery, J., Lloyd, J., & Liang, Z. (2024). The Impact of Forced Separations Between Women and Their Pets in Domestic Violence Situations and the Effectiveness of Crisis Response: Protocol for a Conceptual Framework. JMIR research protocols, 13, e52067. https://doi.org/10.2196/52067
• Straus, M. A., Hamby, S. L., Boney-McCoy, S., & Sugarman, D. B. (1996). The revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2): Development and preliminary psychometric data. Journal of Family Issues, 17(3), 283–316. https://doi.org/10.1177/019251396017003001

Supervisors:

Associate Professor Rebecca O’Reilly Rebecca.O'Reilly@acu.edu.au

Associate Professor Fiona McDermid Fiona.McDermid@acu.edu.au

Campus: All

This research will focus on exploring the experiences of families and caregivers during their loved one’s cancer diagnosis. This topic will be examined through a systematic review, identifying and analysing the emotional, practical, and psychological challenges faced by families during this critical moment. By highlighting these experiences, the study aims to contribute to contemporary literature, ultimately providing valuable insights that can inform support systems and resources for families and caregivers of cancer patients

Supervisors:

Associate Professor Fiona McDermid Fiona.mcdermid@acu.edu.au

Ms Tracy Parrish Tracy.parrish@acu.edu.au

Campus: Blacktown Campus (NSW)

This project explores the effectiveness of co-teaching models that involve students as teaching partners in intensive courses. It aims to investigate how student involvement in teaching impacts engagement, learning outcomes, and the overall educational experience for both students and educators. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews with students and faculty to assess perceptions, benefits, and challenges of this model. Findings will provide insights into best practices for integrating students into teaching roles, fostering collaborative learning environments, and enhancing intensive course delivery.

Supervisor: Associate Professor Fathimath Shifaza Fathimath.shifaza@acu.edu.au

Campus: all campuses

This project investigates educators' perspectives on using escape room experiences as a pedagogical tool to enhance student engagement, critical thinking, and teamwork. The student will explore teachers' experiences, perceptions, and challenges in implementing escape room activities within a unit. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews with educators to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. A literature review will inform the study design, and data analysis will identify best practices and barriers. The findings will provide valuable insights into how educators perceive gamified learning strategies and their impact on teaching effectiveness and student outcomes.

Supervisor: Associate Professor Fathimath Shifaza Fathimath.shifaza@acu.edu.au

Campus: all campuses

Neurodivergent students—those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences—often face significant barriers in higher education due to rigid institutional structures and standardized teaching methods. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), commonly used in primary and secondary education, offer tailored support to accommodate diverse learning needs. However, the implementation of such plans in higher education remains complex and contested. This literature review explores the benefits and disadvantages of IEPs in postsecondary education, assessing their effectiveness in promoting accessibility while considering potential limitations and challenges.

Supervisor – Dr Clare Cole clare.cole@acu.edu.au

Campus: Melbourne

Quality Simulation Assurance Framework (QSAFe) is an evidenced based self- assessment tool to help academics/educators and organisations benchmark the quality of their simulation activities to industry and accreditation standards.

This is an existing project that will initially pilot the tool within higher education nursing programs.

Student opportunities include:

• Review literature on non-statistical tool validation
• Review feedback from the QSAFE tool pilot and inform recommendations for improvement
• Opportunity to co-author a paper of the pilot results

Other opportunities:

• Apply the tool to the midwifery accreditation standards
• Apply the tool to paramedicine accreditation standards

Supervisor: Associate Professor Melanie Barlow: Mel.Barlow@acu.edu.au

Campus: Melbourne campus and may be available for other campuses

Application of SimCapture® in a teaching and learning environment to encourage development and mastering of practical and professional skills.

Student opportunities include:

• Explore the nature and characteristics of a simulated learning experience, including the application of technology to enhance learning. The learning platform, SimCapture®, will provide educators and learners with measurable learning outcomes and the opportunity to identify further learning needs and celebrate success.
• Review literature on simulation design, peer-to-peer learning, applying technology to enhance learning, and evaluating student performance and learning experience.
• Design and run a learning experience, collect, and interpret data using SimCapture, and present the results.
• Opportunity for students to write a research project and be a coauthor in a paper.

Supervisor: Associate Professor Melanie Barlow: Mel.Barlow@acu.edu.au

Campus: Melbourne campus and may be available for other campuses

(An ethics clearance submission is required) Supervisor: Associate Professor Melanie Barlow: Mel.Barlow@acu.edu.au Campus: Melbourne campus and may be available for other campuses

This project explores the use of a virtual escape room experiences as an innovative teaching and learning strategy to enhance student engagement, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. The student will implement an escape room activity tailored to a specific to the unit evidence for practice, interdisciplinary learning. They will evaluate its effectiveness through student feedback, engagement metrics, and learning outcomes. The project will involve literature review, data collection, and analysis, providing valuable insights into active learning strategies and gamification in education.

Supervisor: Associate Professor Fathimath Shifaza Fathimath.shifaza@acu.edu.au

Campus: all campuses

This project explores the role of classroom and environmental design in supporting neurodivergent students in higher education. Traditional learning spaces often fail to accommodate diverse cognitive and sensory needs, creating barriers to academic success. Drawing on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and neurodiversity theory, this study examines how factors like lighting, acoustics, and spatial layout impact learning experiences. The project aims to provide practical recommendations for higher education institutions to create learning environments that foster accessibility, comfort, and academic engagement for neurodivergent students.

Supervisor – Dr Clare Cole clare.cole@acu.edu.au

Campus: Melbourne

Conduct a scoping review on the outcomes of postgraduate (PG) education programs, focusing on their impact on clinicians’ competency, confidence, job satisfaction and career progression. Postgraduate education programs include any studies completed after a bachelor's degree, covering areas such as clinical practice, clinical education, and leadership and management. The last systematic review published in 2020 provided limited evidence with a focus in nursing, highlighting the need for an updated analysis. The findings of this review will influence healthcare education in higher education, advanced practice, and the broader healthcare workforce.

Supervisors

Dr Nancy Zhang Nancy.Zhang@acu.edu.au

Jessica Stewart Jessica.stewart@acu.edu.au

Campus: All