Advance older persons’ health policy within political agendas and as a societal priority

Accelerate translation of evidence into practice to improve older persons' outcomes

Develop gerontological nursing capability and leadership capacity 

Stabilise gerontological workforce through attracting and retaining compassionate nurses  

Promote intersectoral and inter-disciplinary and public collaboration

Facilitate entrepreneurship, innovation and technological solutions  

Frailty and Care Transitions

Leads: Professor Corina Naughton, Dr Teresa Wills, Caroline Egan

Our researchers work with older people, nursing and the wider multidisciplinary team to address the everyday challenges of living with dynamic states such as frailty while striving to maintain connection. 

Our research projects straddle a range of topics related to fundamental care and transitions across care settings. We strive to place the voice of older people at the centre of intervention design and evidence translation.

Funder: HRB & SouthSouthWest Hospital Group Applied Partnership Award

The Frailty Care Bundle (FCB) aims to reduce risk factors for hospital associated decline in frail older people during hospitalisation through enabling the nursing and the wider multidisciplinary teams to prioritise mobilisation, nutrition and cognitive engagement.

The project uses a hybrid implementation science model to examine the impact on patient and service outcomes and critique the implementation process using the iPARiHS (Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services) framework.

For more information on the FCB please watch this video.

 
In collaboration with Cork Integrated Care Programme for older people, we are working with older people, carers and the integrated care team to co-design person-centred services to support older people to live as independently as possible for as long as possible in their community.

We use qualitative interviews with older people, integrated care team and general practitioners to explore key themes on accessibility, continuity of care, and shared care planning.

 
Individuals with an intellectual disability are experiencing increased longevity which is associated with an increase in transitions in later life. This study aims to provide insights into pre-transitional experiences and decision-making among older adults with intellectual disabilities and their family caregivers who are considering a permanent relocation to a long-term care.

Publication by Caroline Egan et al 

Advanced Care Planning and Palliative Care

Leads Dr Nicola Cornally & Dr Irene Hartigan

Researchers at the School strive to develop dynamic partnerships with older people, their families and clinical teams to find solutions to everyday challenges that enable people to live life in-the-moment yet focus on what matters most as they approach end-of-life. Advance care planning enables and empowers older people to make decisions about their care and treatment preferences and can reduce burdensome care, family conflict and crisis decision making. Our evidence-based research prepares older persons and their family to engage in necessary conversations and ensures that staff are trained in compassionate communication and a palliative approach to care.

Funder EU joint programme on Neurodegenerative Disease(JPND)

This 4-year study is funded by the EU joint programme on Neurodegenerative Disease (JPND) with National Health Research Board support. (2019-2023)

The mySupport study is an international multisite trial of the Family Carer Decision Support (FCDS) Intervention in Nursing Homes.

In previous research, the Family Carer Decision Support (FCDS) intervention was found to reduce family carer decision-making uncertainty on establishing goals of care at the end of life and improve family carer satisfaction on fundamental choices for comfort and quality of care.

There are three core elements to the FCDS intervention:

1. Provision of a Comfort Care Booklet to family carers of relatives with Advance Dementia.
2. Training of nursing home staff.
3. Delivery of a Family Care Conference (structured family meeting).

This study involves implementing the FCDS intervention into 12 nursing homes across 6 countries, two in the Republic of Ireland.  

For further information view our explainer video on MySupport study. 

Or link directly to our website where you will find our quarterly newsletter and over 15 blogs on Advance Care Planning and Palliative Care in Dementia.

Funder Health Research Board - Applied Partnership Awards, 2018

This project developed and tested the implementation of best practice clinical guidelines Promoting Excellence in End-of-life Care for People with Dementia in care home settings. The guidelines focus on pain, hydration & nutrition and medication management in dementia palliative care. The project utilised participatory action research and implementation science frameworks.

Papers:

Timmons, S., O'Loughlin, C., Buckley, C., Cornally, N., Hartigan, I., Lehane, E., Finn, C. and Coffey, A., 2021. Dementia palliative care: a multi-site survey of long-term care STAFF’S education needs and readiness to change. Nurse Education in Practice, 52, p.103006. 

Coffey, A., Hartigan, I., Timmons, S., Buckley, C., Lehane, E., O’Loughlin, C., O’Connell, S. and Cornally, N., 2021. Implementation of evidence-based guidance for dementia palliative care using participatory action research: examining implementation through the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Implementation Science Communications, 2(1), pp.1-14. 

Buckley, C., Hartigan, I., Coffey, A., Cornally, C., O’Connell, S., O’Loughlin, C., Timmons, S., Lehane, E. (2022) Evaluating the use of participatory action research to implement evidence-based guidance on dementia palliative care in long-term care settings: A creative hermeneutic analysis International Journal of Older People Nursing  

Young and later-onset Dementia & Stroke

Leads Dr Caroline Kilty, Dr Irene Hartigan and Dr Serena Fitzgerald

Introduction

Our team is passionate about using research as a tool to bring the voice and experience of people and families who experience neurological and cognitive vulnerabilities to the centre of policy making and service provision. Our research influences and advances user-centred policy and service innovation. 

Funder HSE National Dementia Office, 2019  

Young onset dementia is defined as dementia onset before the age of 65 years and it is estimated to affects approximately 4000 people in Ireland. The project provides a comprehensive review of young onset dementia management pathways from national and international literature and stakeholder perspectives. Learn more on the Dementia Network website.

Funder Health Service Executive, 2018

The Health Service Executive (HSE) commissioned Ipsos Mori in partnership with School of nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork (UCC) to undertake an Evaluation of the Impact of the National Dementia Strategy (NDS). This project utilised a realistic framework to evaluate the strategy and its implementation.

Funder Alzheimer Society Ireland, 2018

Loneliness is a complex phenomenon that impacts on both mental and physical health especially in people living with dementia. The Alzheimer Society Ireland funded an interdisciplinary team to explore the Complexity of Dementia and Loneliness in Ireland. Qualitative research was conducted with People living with dementia (PLWD). Findings reported that the maintenance of social connection aids in fostering a sense of self-worth and self-management, which in turn mitigates feelings of loneliness.

Stroke is a sudden injury to the brain and prompt recognition can reduce the risk of permanent damage to brain issue. Stroke is an important health issue in Ireland, with approximately 6,000 adults admitted to hospitals with a stroke in 2021. Stroke typically affects older people, its prevalence will increase as our population ages. While stroke patient management has improved, there are still few specific therapeutic interventions. Technologies to support treatment and rehabilitation are developing and Cork University Hospital stroke service is recognised as one of two 24/7 stroke thrombectomy centre nationwide. In Cork, between the hospitals, Cork Stroke Support Centre and the University, we have a team of dedicated, skilled multi-disciplinary professionals who work together to provide the best stroke care. In the School of Nursing & Midwifery, the team is led by Dr Irene Hartigan. This team conducted mixed method study to evaluate tele-rehabilitation for Early Supported Discharge stroke patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, the team received  to Spark Innovator HSE funding to upscaling an information booklet (passport) for stroke patients and families.

In assessing the global impact of COVID-19 pandemic on society in moving forward, it is important to understand the communities most affected.  Family carers provide a vital, yet often invisible role in our society and healthcare system, however, lockdown increased the burden for many by imposing further restrictions on already limited resources. The Interface project represents the intersection between health and social care community services and seeks to provide a greater understanding of how we value the contribution of family carers.  The Interface project led by Dr Irene Hartigan from UCC's School of Nursing and Midwifery, in collaboration Dr Nikki Dunne, Family Carers Ireland (FCI) engaged a qualitative exploratory participatory stepwise research design. The Interface project established research priorities for carers, this  brings increased awareness of the importance of community provision and helps shape reform. Key organisations, such as Eurocarers and Health Research Charities Ireland were involved in the Interface project. Members of the research team at UCC include Olivia Rachel Donegan, Graduate Medical Student and Research Assistant, UCC, Dr Ruth Hally, Civic Engagement Office, UCC, Dr Nicola Cornally, Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery UCC, Dr Caroline Dalton O'Connor, Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, UCC. Interface has received funding from Irish Research Council, New Foundations 2021, which enabled this valuable research.

Click through the images on the tab above for more research themes

Patricia Fehin is a Lecturer-Practitioner (Nursing) in the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery at University College Cork. As a Registered General Nurse, Patricia has extensive clinical nursing experience including general medicine, neurosurgery, intensive care, coronary care, older adult nursing, and practice development; experience has been gained in both the UK and Ireland. She lectures on the undergraduate (BSc Nursing) and postgraduate (Post Graduate Diploma/Certificate in Nursing, and Nurse Prescribing) programs at UCC and has a clinical practice and student support remit within the older adult services. Patricia's research interest focuses on end-of-life, decision making capacity, and ensuing healthcare legal, ethical, and professional concerns.

Professor Nicola Cornally is a general nurse with clinical nursing and senior practice development experience. She has led on multiple nationally funded practice-centered research projects in the area of dementia palliative care, healthcare design for dignified end-of-life care, and contemporary end-of-life issues including advance care planning, that have been funded by institutions such as the Health Research Board (HRB), Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF), Health Service Executive (HSE), and Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham (GSK). She is the Coordinator of a Horizon Europe project aimed at testing the effectiveness of a complex palliative care intervention in nursing homes on comfort, social engagement and quality of life of people with Advanced Dementia, known as In-Touch https://palliativeprojects.eu/in-touch/

She has over 170 research outputs (63 of which are peer-reviewed publications) with a Scopus H-index of 20. She has contributed to several national and international Collaborative Intelligence Groups/Expert Delphi panels, the most recent being a Delphi study on advance care planning (ACP) in dementia on behalf of the European Association for Palliative Care. She is a member of the National Strategic Scientific Committee for the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) and the International Leadership Succession Committee for Sigma Nursing, and was recently appointed Visiting Professor at the University of Turin in Italy.  

Caroline is a Lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at University College Cork, and a member of the Older Adult teaching team within the School. Caroline currently teaches at undergraduate and post graduate levels. Before this, Caroline worked as a mental health nurse for 15 years, working both in the UK and Ireland. Before joining the School,  Caroline worked as a CNM in the area of dementia care for 9 years, and completed her PhD and Post doctoral work in the area of dementia and health professions education. Caroline is a proactive early career researcher, with experience at co-applicant and PI levels. Caroline has a keen research interest in the area of young onset dementia and co-production in research. She has recently completed a recent Irish report entitled Young Onset Dementia: a Review of Diagnostic and Post-diagnostic Processes and Pathways, and has just begun a new project exploring ways to optimise community responses to support people with young onset dementia.

Dr Irene Hartigan epitomizes an integrative approach to academia, harmonizing education, research, and service to magnify impact across diverse spheres. In her role as a senior lecturer at the School of Nursing & Midwifery, Irene has a specialized focus on dementia, stroke, and interprofessional learning, Dr Irene Hartigan has led numerous funded projects, fostering international collaborations. Central to her success is her commitment to partnering with organizations on Patient and Public Involvement, ensuring research is relevant and impactful. Irene has extensive experience in innovate design and management multidisciplinary teams at both national and international level. Her publication record, which includes top-cited articles, underscores her influence in academia, earning recognition for scholarly contributions on an international scale. Notably, she supervises PhD students in neurodegenerative conditions and cardiovascular disease and has examined PhDs external to University College Cork. Currently, Dr Hartigan leads work packages on two EU grants: In Touch Horizon Europe, enhancing quality of life for individuals with advanced dementia, and VR Talks ERASMUS+, focusing on virtual reality for doctor-patient communication during difficult conversations. Irene is a member of the All-Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC), All Ireland Gerontological Nurses Association (AIGNA) and Cork Stroke Support Organisation. 

Serena is a Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery. She is coordinator for the MSc in Nursing Studies and teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the areas of research methods and evidence-based nursing and midwifery practice. Serena has been actively involved in national and international funded multi-stakeholder projects relating to health behaviours, decision-making and palliative care. Serena is Director of the JPND Early Career Research Committee and Vice-Chair of the Early Career Research Forum for the All-Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care.

I am a lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery and an RNID who holds a MSc., Post-Graduate Diploma in Gerontology and a BSc from UCC. I am currently a PhD. candidate, my thesis explores the concept of transitioning residence among older adults with intellectual disabilities. My primary research interest lies in the area of supporting the older person with Intellectual Disability and the experiences of caregivers. Prior to taking up this academic post I worked for more than 20 years as a staff nurse and Clinical Nurse Manager within Irish Disability services.

I am a college lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork.

During my clinical career, I worked as an intensive care, diabetic, infection control nurse, clinical placement co-ordinator and nurse tutor. In my academic career, I have held many leadership roles within the School of Nursing and Midwifery, UCC. These have included Director of the BSc Undergraduate Education Programme, co-ordinator of Technology Enhanced Learning and Programme Coordinator of the Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing Programme.

My research experiences translates across: working part of research teams on HRB/HSE funded projects and my research interests pertain to older adults, obesity, academic integrity and use of  online technology. 

Gerontological Conference 2024

Hold the date - 18th April 2024

Professor Gerry Lee has worked in advanced practice for over twenty-five years examining the role of nurse practitioner in relation to clinical outcomes. Her main research interests lie in cardiovascular disease and optimising health in long-term conditions using shared-decision making and digital technology. In 2018, she established a nurse-led rapid access clinic at St Thomas’s Hospital, London for patients with suspected atrial fibrillation and ran this clinic for 5 years.

Professor Lee is a member of the advocacy committee for the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professionals and the Council of Cardio-oncology at the European Society of Cardiology. She has published over 130 peer reviewed publications and is a principal investigator on a Horizon 2020 European Union EHRA-PATHS study: 'Addressing multimorbidity in elderly atrial fibrillation patients through interdisciplinary, tailored, patient-centered care pathways.'  (EHRA-PATHS). She was appointed as a Professor and Chair Nursing and Health Services Research at UCC in November 2023.