Research Associate
Contact Details
| Contact Campus | Hobart CBD Campuses |
| Building | Medical Science 1 |
| Room Reference | Level 4 |
| Telephone | +61 3 6226 4895 |
| Sharon.Andrews@utas.edu.au |
Biography
Dr Andrews is a registered nurse with a clinical background in aged care and palliative care practice. Sharon's key area of expertise is in action research and practice development for staff in residential aged care facilities (RACFs), particularly with a focus on dementia and palliative care. Her PhD investigated strategies that were effective in developing the practices of aged care staff to support evidence based palliative approach to care for people with advanced dementia and was conferred in 2010.
Research Interests
Sharon currently coordinates a project that has a focus on improving communication and practice in advance and end of life care planning for people with dementia in RACFs as well as a chief investigator on another study exploring communication and information needs of aged care staff and family caregivers in the provision of care for people with moderate to severe dementia in RACFs. Sharon has previously consulted in a best practice falls prevention project, funded by the DOHA and is involved in teaching undergraduate nursing and medical students in a subject on ageing through the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Tasmania.
Research Projects and Roles
- Opening a dialogue: improving communication and practice in advance care and end of life care planning - Project coordinator, Chief Investigator.
- Developing and testing a strategy to enhance a palliative approach and carecontinuity for people who have dementia - Chief Investigator.
- Information needs of carers and family member of PWD - Project manager, Chief Investigator.
Project Funding
- Australian Department of Health and Ageing
- Local Palliative Care Grant Program
- Round Five The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre