Profiles
Jane O’Brien

Jane O'Brien
Lecturer
Room N226 , N
03 6324 3671 (phone)
Dr Jane O’Brien is a researcher who combines her skills in exercise physiology and nursing to improve the quality of life for people with venous leg ulcers, which are painful and debilitating slow-healing wounds.
‘I started out as an exercise physiologist and went into nursing after travelling the world and seeing so many areas in which nursing skills make a real difference to people’s lives,’ says Dr O’Brien.
‘While I was always interested in exercise, a critical life experience for me was seeing the difference a dedicated nurse made to my father’s recovery after triple bypass surgery. He was encouraged to take charge of his health through cardiac rehab. This not only helped his recovery but it changed his attitude to exercise. After he recovered, he went on to have a much healthier lifestyle, which he still maintains.’
Research allows Dr O’Brien to bridge the worlds between exercise and nursing.
Dr O’Brien became interested in exercise as an intervention for people with slow-healing wounds while she was doing a vacation scholarship program as part of her nursing degree.
‘I worked in a centre that specialised in wound care for people with venous leg ulcers. I’d watch people shuffle into the room, have their bandages dressed, then shuffle out again. Looking at their movement from a functional perspective I thought, if they’re shuffling then they aren’t walking in a way that activates their calf muscle pump in order to promote venous return. That’s not going to help with their healing. Together with the vascular surgeon in charge of the clinic, we looked at getting the patients to do simple exercises to determine if that would improve wound healing.’
This natural curiosity has led Dr O’Brien to continue her research and to find opportunities to collaborate with researchers around the world.
Her basic motivation is to help people to live full lives – to stay out of hospital and live well within their own homes.
‘With a bit of assistance, people can be enabled and empowered to do some exercise, which improves their lives so they’re more independent.’
Dr O’Brien tells a story about a woman who, through wearing high compression bandages for a slow-healing ulcer, had lost strength in her legs.
‘This woman had previously been a keen bird watcher. When I met her, she was wheelchair-bound. She said that one of her personal goals was to be able to walk down to the bottom of her garden and watch the birds there. After 12 weeks of my home-based progressive resistance exercise program, she and I were both delighted when she achieved her goal. Through focusing on what she valued the most, we also improved her overall mobility and she regained some of her independence.’
Dr O’Brien’s progressive resistance methodology is being adopted as part of a large-scale New Zealand study that will recruit hundreds of people to try the home-based program, and compare the results against a variety of measures.
Dr O’Brien is looking for opportunities to expand her research and loves sharing her passion for research training. If you are interested in exploring attitudes of health professionals for supporting patients to exercise or understanding the biomechanics of gait pattern and venous return, please get in touch with the wound team.
Dr Jane O’Brien holds a Lecturer position in the College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania. She is a Registered Nurse and Exercise Physiologist with over 15 years of experience across hospital and community settings. Dr O’Brien is a transdisciplinary researcher specialising in evidence-based behaviour change, research impact and stakeholder participation in chronic disease management to improve clinical, and functional outcomes for older adults. Dr O’Brien’s main area of research has focused on developing and testing through clinical trials the effectiveness of a home-based progressive resistance exercise programme to improve wound healing. This work has been successfully implemented in practice at Royal District Nursing Services (VIC) and the Bundall Medical Centre (QLD). She has also undertaken several large-scale inter-disciplinary projects in hospital and health service settings with the aim of reducing readmission rates for older adults with chronic disease with a current research interest in frailty.
Biography
Dr Jane O’Brien graduated with a B Appl Sc degree from the University of Sydney in 1998, and a BN in 2006 from Queensland University of Technology before embarking on her research career. Jane has clinical experience is intensive care nursing and designing home based exercise programs to keep people in their homes and out of hospital. She moved to the University of Tasmania in 2016 and has since established herself as an academic.
Career summary
Qualifications
Degree | Thesis Title | University | Year |
---|---|---|---|
PhD | The benefits of a self-management telephone based intervention for promoting exercise and healing rates for venous leg ulcer patients. | Queensland University of Technology | 2015 |
MAppliSci (Research) | A pilot study assessing the feasibility of a home-based progressive resistance exercise program and trend toward healing rates for patients with venous leg ulcers. | Queensland University of Technology | 2010 |
BN | Queensland University of Technology | 2006 | |
PGradCert | University of Southern Queensland | 2004 | |
BApplSci (Exercise and Sport Science) | University of Sydney | 1998 |
Memberships
Committee associations
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG)
Administrative expertise
Managing multicentre research projects (budget, ethical compliance, staff management)
Teaching
Health assessment, Evidence Based Practice Research in Nursing, Exercise Physiology, Older Adults and ageing populations.
Teaching expertise
- Prevention and management of chronic disease
- Healthcare and support services
Teaching responsibility
Dr O’Brien coordinates the following units within the Bachelor of Nursing:
- CNA257 Older adults and ageing populations
- CNA341 Improving health and nursing practice through translational research
Research Invitations
Invited speaker: Monash University, February 2018, ‘A call to action’ Melbourne.
Invited speaker: World Congress of the International Union of Angiology, October 2018, Beijing, China.
View more on Dr Jane O'Brien in WARP
Expertise
Research Skills
- Designing, implementing and managing randomised controlled trials
- Program evaluation
- Qualitative research including focus groups
- HDR supervision
Expertise
- Prevention and management of chronic disease
- Healthcare and support services
Research Fields
- Cardiology (incl. Cardiovascular Diseases) (110201)
- Preventive Medicine (111716)
- Respiratory Diseases (110203)
- Health Economics (140208)
- Geriatrics and Gerontology (110308)
- Cardiovascular Medicine and Haematology (110299)
- Medical and Health Sciences (119999)
- Health Care Administration (111709)
- Health and Community Services (111708)
Research Impact
- Cardiovascular System and Diseases (920103)
- Behaviour and Health (920401)
- Preventive Medicine (920412)
- Health (929999)
- Evaluation of Health Outcomes (920204)
- Health Related to Ageing (920502)
Research Themes
Dr O’Brien's research aligns with the University's research theme of Better Health. Her main research focus is in the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease with particular emphasis on the effects of a range of exercise treatments on cardiovascular health and the role of behaviour change in encouraging adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviours.
Collaboration
Jane is currently involved in three international projects, which are primarily aimed at improving wound care, one understanding emotional distress and the other two exploring exercise as an adjunct therapy with healing venous leg ulcers. Combined, these collaborative projects involve partnerships between schools of health science at several universities and industries across UK, South America and New Zealand.
Awards
Executive Dean's Commendation for QUT Outstanding Doctoral Thesis 2015
People's Choice Award 3 Minute Thesis – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) Inspires Conference
Current projects
- Maintaining physical activity levels post participation in a community exercise program
- Improving physical activity, pain and function in patients waiting for hip and knee Arthroplasty by combining targeted exercise training with behaviour change counselling.
- Improve Health Literacy Responsiveness; Improve Client Outcomes.
- Wound Registry
- University of Tasmania Active Work Laboratory
- Reducing hospital readmissions in older adults
Fields of Research
- Sub-acute care (420506)
- Exercise physiology (420702)
- Community and primary care (420503)
- Epidemiology (420299)
- Primary health care (420319)
- Rheumatology and arthritis (320223)
- Dermatology (320205)
- Rehabilitation (420109)
- Physiotherapy (420106)
- Preventative health care (420605)
- Health informatics and information systems (420308)
- Aged care nursing (420502)
- Health and community services (420305)
- Aged health care (420301)
- Occupational and workplace health and safety (350505)
- Health counselling (420307)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander public health and wellbeing (450417)
- People with disability (420318)
- Allied health and rehabilitation science (420199)
- Health services and systems (420399)
- Endocrinology (320208)
- Cardiovascular medicine and haematology (320199)
- Health care administration (420306)
- Health economics (380108)
- Health promotion (420603)
- Nursing (420599)
- Tumour immunology (320409)
- Residential client care (420320)
Research Objectives
- Clinical health (200199)
- Allied health therapies (excl. mental health services) (200301)
- Behaviour and health (200401)
- Health policy evaluation (200205)
- Nursing (200307)
- Preventive medicine (200412)
- Evaluation of health outcomes (200202)
- Evaluation of health and support services (200299)
- Determinants of health (200201)
- Health education and promotion (200203)
- Health related to ageing (200502)
- Health system performance (incl. effectiveness of programs) (200206)
- Primary care (200310)
- Assessment, development and evaluation of curriculum (160301)
- Disability and functional capacity (200403)
- Diagnosis of human diseases and conditions (200101)
Publications
Jane has over 20 publications in peer-reviewed journals covering the themes of exercise in wound care and in the treatment of chronic conditions.
Total publications
51
Highlighted publications
(2 outputs)Year | Type | Citation | Altmetrics |
---|---|---|---|
2014 | Journal Article | Finlayson KJ, Courtney MD, Gibb MA, O'Brien JA, Parker CN, et al., 'The effectiveness of a four-layer compression bandage system in comparison with Class 3 compression hosiery on healing and quality of life in patients with venous leg ulcers: a randomised controlled trial', International Wound Journal, 11, (1) pp. 21-7. ISSN 1742-4801 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-481X.2012.01033.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 38Web of Science - 37 | |
2013 | Journal Article | O'Brien JA, Edwards H, Stewart I, Gibbs H, 'A home-based progressive resistance exercise programme for patients with venous leg ulcers: a feasibility study', International Wound Journal, 10, (4) pp. 389-96. ISSN 1742-4801 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-481X.2012.00995.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 38Web of Science - 33 |
Journal Article
(29 outputs)Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
---|---|---|
2022 | Ansari Misha, Radford J, Hardcastle S, O'Brien J, Williams AD, 'Exercise is medicine for people with T2D', Diabetes Management Journal pp. 22-24. ISSN 1833-5365 (2022) [Professional, Refereed Article] Co-authors: Ansari Misha; Radford J; Hardcastle S; Williams AD | |
2021 | Brickwood K-J, Ahuja KDK, Watson G, O'Brien J, Williams AD, 'Effects of activity tracker use with health professional support or telephone counseling on maintenance of physical activity and health outcomes in older adults: Randomized controlled trial', JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 9, (1) pp. 1-15. ISSN 2291-5222 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.2196/18686 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2 Co-authors: Brickwood K-J; Ahuja KDK; Watson G; Williams AD | |
2021 | Jull A, Wadham A, Bullen C, Parag V, Parsons JGM, et al., 'Prescribed exercise regimen versus usual care and hypochlorous acid wound solution versus placebo for treating venous leg ulcers: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (Factorial4VLU)', BMJ Open, 11, (2) Article e043420. ISSN 2044-6055 (2021) [Refereed Article] | |
2021 | Parker C, Finlayson K, O'Brien J, Edwards H, Hindmarsh J, 'Disease-specific distress (DSD) in adults with Venous Leg Ulcers (VLUs): A systematic review', PROSPERO pp. 1-4. (2021) [Contribution to Refereed Journal] | |
2021 | Qiu Y, Team V, Osadnik CR, O'Brien J, Turnour L, et al., 'Physical activity, sleep and wound healing in adults with venous leg ulcers: A prospective observational cohort pilot study protocol', Wound Practice & Research, 29, (2) pp. 98-103. ISSN 2202-9729 (2021) [Refereed Article] | |
2020 | Beyera GK, O'Brien J, Campbell S, 'The development and validation of a measurement instrument to investigate determinants of health care utilisation for low back pain in Ethiopia', PLoS One, 15, (1) Article e0227801. ISSN 1932-6203 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227801 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 4Web of Science - 3 Co-authors: Beyera GK; Campbell S | |
2020 | Beyera GK, O'Brien J, Campbell S, 'Determinants of healthcare utilisation for low back pain: a population-based study in Ethiopia', Health and Social Care in The Community, 28, (3) pp. 1058-1070. ISSN 0966-0410 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12939 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 7 Co-authors: Beyera GK; Campbell S | |
2020 | Beyera GK, O'Brien J, Campbell S, 'Hospital admission and associated factors among individuals presenting to healthcare facilities for low back pain in Ethiopia', International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, 23, (6) pp. 763-771. ISSN 1756-1841 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/1756-185X.13832 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2 Co-authors: Beyera GK; Campbell S | |
2020 | Bird ML, Elmer S, Osborne RH, Flittner A, O'Brien JA, 'Training physiotherapists to be responsive to their clients' health literacy needs', Physiotherapy Theory and Practice ISSN 0959-3985 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2020.1850956 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 1 Co-authors: Bird ML; Elmer S; Flittner A | |
2020 | Brickwood K-J, Williams AD, Watson G, O'Brien J, 'Older adults' experiences of using a wearable activity tracker with health professional feedback over a 12-month randomised controlled trial', Digital Health, 6 pp. 1-13. ISSN 2055-2076 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1177/2055207620921678 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 11Web of Science - 10 Co-authors: Brickwood K-J; Williams AD; Watson G | |
2020 | Garrahy E, Davison K, Hardcastle S, O'Brien J, Pedersen S, et al., 'Exercise as cardiovascular medicine', Australian Journal of General Practice, 49, (8) pp. 483-487. ISSN 2208-794X (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.31128/AJGP-03-20-5294 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 1 Co-authors: Garrahy E; Hardcastle S; Pedersen S; Williams A; Radford J | |
2020 | Team, Qiu Y, McGinnes RA, Osadnik C, O'Brien J, et al., 'Physical activity, sleep, and wound healing in adults with venous leg ulcers: a prospective observational cohort pilot study protocol', OSFPREPRINTS (2020) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
2020 | Williams A, Radford J, O'Brien J, Davison K, 'Type 2 diabetes and the medicine of exercise: the role of general practice in ensuring exercise is part of every patient's plan', Australian journal of general practice, 49, (4) pp. 189-193. ISSN 2208-794X (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.31128/AJGP-09-19-5091 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 7Web of Science - 6 Co-authors: Williams A; Radford J | |
2019 | Beyera GK, O'Brien J, Campbell S, 'Health-care utilisation for low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based observational studies', Rheumatology International, 39, (10) pp. 1663-1679. ISSN 0172-8172 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s00296-019-04430-5 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 21Web of Science - 24 Co-authors: Beyera GK; Campbell S | |
2019 | Brickwood KJ, Watson G, O'Brien J, Williams AD, 'Consumer-Based Wearable Activity Trackers Increase Physical Activity Participation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 7, (4) pp. 1-20. ISSN 2291-5222 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.2196/11819 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 9Web of Science - 152 Co-authors: Brickwood KJ; Watson G; Williams AD | |
2019 | O'Brien J, Williams A, Wu S, Hamilton K, 'Getting physical with diabetes: a realistic approach to encouraging exercise for adults with diabetes', Diabetes & Primary Care Australia, 3, (1) pp. 163-168. ISSN 2397-2254 (2019) [Refereed Article] Co-authors: Williams A | |
2018 | Finlayson K, Chang AM, Courtney MD, Edwards HE, Parker AW, et al., 'Transitional care interventions reduce unplanned hospital readmissions in high-risk older adults', Bmc Health Services Research, 18, (1) Article 956. ISSN 1472-6963 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3771-9 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 37Web of Science - 37 | |
2018 | Kebede G, Campbell S, O'Brien J, 'Health care utilisation for low back pain and its predictors: a systematic review and metaanalysis of population based observational studies', PROSPERO (2018) [Contribution to Refereed Journal] Co-authors: Kebede G; Campbell S | |
2018 | O'Brien J, Hamilton K, Williams A, Fell J, Mulford J, et al., 'Improving physical activity, pain and function in patients waiting for hip and knee arthroplasty by combining targeted exercise training with behaviour change counselling: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial', Trials, 19 Article 425. ISSN 1745-6215 (2018) [Contribution to Refereed Journal] DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2808-z [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2 Co-authors: Williams A; Fell J; Cheney M; Bird ML | |
2018 | Smith D, Lane R, McGinnes R, O'Brien J, Johnston R, et al., 'What is the effect of exercise on wound healing in patients with venous leg ulcers? A systematic review', International Wound Journal, 15 pp. 441-453. ISSN 1742-4801 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12885 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 12Web of Science - 10 | |
2017 | Mather C, Douglas T, O'Brien J, 'Identifying opportunities to integrate digital professionalism into curriculum: a comparison of social media use by health profession students at an Australian university in 2013 and 2016', Informatics, 4, (2) Article 10. ISSN 2227-9709 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3390/informatics4020010 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 4 Co-authors: Mather C; Douglas T | |
2017 | O'Brien JA, Finlayson K, Kerr G, Edwards H, 'Evaluating the effectiveness of a self-management exercise intervention on wound healing, functional ability and health-related quality of life outcomes in adults with venous leg ulcers: a randomised controlled trial', International Wound Journal, 14, (1) pp. 130-137. ISSN 1742-4801 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12571 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 36Web of Science - 36 | |
2017 | Smith D, Team V, Barber G, O'Brien J, Wynter K, et al., 'Factors associated with physical activity levels in people with venous leg ulcers: A multicentre, prospective, cohort study', International wound journal pp. 1-6. ISSN 1742-4801 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12868 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 7Web of Science - 1 | |
2016 | O'Brien J, Finlayson K, Kerr G, Shortridge-Baggett L, Edwards H, 'Using a theoretical approach to identify factors influencing adherence to an exercise programme for adults with venous leg ulcers', Journal of Health Psychology pp. 1-10. ISSN 1359-1053 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1177/1359105316656241 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 4Web of Science - 4 | |
2014 | Finlayson KJ, Courtney MD, Gibb MA, O'Brien JA, Parker CN, et al., 'The effectiveness of a four-layer compression bandage system in comparison with Class 3 compression hosiery on healing and quality of life in patients with venous leg ulcers: a randomised controlled trial', International Wound Journal, 11, (1) pp. 21-7. ISSN 1742-4801 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-481X.2012.01033.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 38Web of Science - 37 | |
2014 | O'Brien JA, Finlayson K, Kerr G, Edwards H, 'The perspectives of adults with venous leg ulcers on exercise: an exploratory study', Journal of Wound Care, 23, (10) pp. 496-509. ISSN 0969-0700 (2014) [Professional, Refereed Article] | |
2014 | O'Brien JA, Finlayson KJ, Kerr G, Edwards HE, 'Testing the effectiveness of a self-efficacy based exercise intervention for adults with venous leg ulcers: protocol of a randomised controlled trial', Bmc Dermatology, 14, (16) pp. 1-9. ISSN 1471-5945 (2014) [Professional, Refereed Article] | |
2013 | O'Brien JA, Edwards H, Stewart I, Gibbs H, 'A home-based progressive resistance exercise programme for patients with venous leg ulcers: a feasibility study', International Wound Journal, 10, (4) pp. 389-96. ISSN 1742-4801 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-481X.2012.00995.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 38Web of Science - 33 | |
2012 | O'Brien JA, Edwards HE, Finlayson KJ, Kerr G, 'Understanding the relationships between the calf muscle pump, ankle range of motion and healing for adults with venous leg ulcers: a review of the literature', Wound Practice & Research, 20, (2) pp. 1-6. ISSN 1837-6304 (2012) [Professional, Refereed Article] |
Review
(1 outputs)Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
---|---|---|
2020 | Williams A, Radford J, O'Brien J, Davidson K, 'Type 2 diabetes and the medicine of exercise', Australian Journal of General Practice, 49, (4) pp. 189-193. ISSN 2208-794X (2020) [Other Review] Co-authors: Williams A; Radford J |
Conference Publication
(19 outputs)Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
---|---|---|
2021 | Brickwood K, O'Brien J, Watson G, Ahuja K, Williams A, 'Keeping older adults active: Are activity trackers effective?', Research to Practice 2021, 6 - 8 May 2021, online (2021) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Brickwood K; Watson G; Ahuja K; Williams A | |
2021 | Brickwood K-J, Campbell J, O'Brien JA, Watson G, Williams AD, 'The cost of delivering an Accredited Exercise Physiologist led activity trackerbased intervention', Research to Practice 2021, 6-8 May, online (2021) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Brickwood K-J; Campbell J; Watson G; Williams AD | |
2021 | Brickwood K-J, Watson G, Williams A-M, O'Brien J, 'Considerations for recommending activity tracker use in older adults: A qualitative analysis', Research to Practice 2021, 6 - 8 May 2021, virtual (2021) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Brickwood K-J; Watson G; Williams A-M | |
2021 | Cheney M, Bird ML, O'Brien J, Brickwood K-J, Mulford J, et al., 'Challenges in recruiting clients for exercise and behaviour change interventions while waiting for joint replacement surgery', Research to Practice 2021, 6 - 8 May 2021, online (2021) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Cheney M; Bird ML; Brickwood K-J; Fell J; Williams A | |
2021 | O'Brien J, Parker C, Jull A, McCann D, Teare C, 'Knowledge Attitudes Practices (KAP) of clinicians toward Physical Activity (PA) for adults with Venous Leg Ulcers (VLUs)', 6th Vietnam Wound Management Association Conference, 31 October 2021, Vietnam (2021) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: McCann D; Teare C | |
2021 | Parker C, O'Brien J, Finlayson K, Edwards H, 'Distress associated with living with Venous leg ulcers - the silent unknown', The Wounds Australia National Conference 2021: Connect, Collaborate, Innovate, 4-6 May 2021, Online Web Conference (2021) [Conference Extract] | |
2019 | Bird ML, Elmer S, O'Brien J, 'A health literacy intervention for physiotherapists to improve responsiveness to the health literacy needs of clients', World Congress for Physical Therapy, 10-13 May, Switzerland (2019) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Bird ML; Elmer S | |
2018 | Davis E, O'Brien JA, Rigby S, Elmer S, Beauchamp A, 'Health Literacy of Young Adults (18-25) from the perspective of Emergency Department presentations', Emergency Tasmania Conference 2018, 10-12 August 2018, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania (2018) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Davis E; Elmer S | |
2018 | O'Brien JA, 'Strategies for developing exercise interventions for adults with venous leg ulcers', Wound Seminar A Call to Action: Translating Research to improve chronic wound outcomes, 27 March 2018, Monash University, Australia (2018) [Keynote Presentation] | |
2018 | Pedersen S, Cruickshank V, Stone C, Mainsbridge C, O'Brien J, et al., 'Designing purposeful health breaks at work', 2018 WorkSafe Conference, 22-23 October 2018, Hobart, Tasmania (2018) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Pedersen S; Cruickshank V; Stone C; Mainsbridge C | |
2017 | Bird ML, Elmer S, O'Brien JA, 'Improve Health Literacy Responsiveness; Improve Client Outcomes', at Australian Physiotherapy Association National Conference Momentum', 7-9 September 2017, Sydney (2017) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Bird ML; Elmer S | |
2017 | Brickwood K, O'Brien JA, Watson G, Ahuja KDK, Williams AD, 'Can activity trackers help adults stay active?', Exercise Sport Science Australia Research to Practice', 27 - 29 March 208, Brisbane, Australia (2017) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Brickwood K; Watson G; Ahuja KDK; Williams AD | |
2017 | O'Brien JA, 'Invited speaker: webinar hosted by AAG', It's all about evidenced based wound care prevention and management, 14 February, 2017 (2017) [Conference Extract] | |
2016 | O'Brien JA, Edwards H, Finlayson K, 'Using a theoretical approach to identify factors influencing adherence to an exercise program for adults with venous leg ulcers', International Congress of Behavioral Medicine, 7-10 December, 2016, Melbourne, Australia (2016) [Conference Extract] | |
2013 | O'Brien JA, Edwards H, Finlayson K, Kerr G, 'VaLUE your independence (Venous leg ulcers and Exercise)', Proceedings of the 20th IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics Conference, 23-27 June, 2013, Seoul, Korea (2013) [Conference Extract] | |
2012 | O'Brien JA, Edwards H, Finlayson K, Graham K, 'Venous Leg Ulcers and Exercise (VaLUE): Theory and Intervention Strategies', Proceedings of the 7th Exercise and Sport Science Australia from Research to Practice, 18-21 April, 2015, Gold Coast, Australia (2012) [Conference Extract] | |
2012 | O'Brien JA, Edwards H, Finlayson K, Kerr G, 'The meaning of exercise to adults with venous leg ulcers', Proceedings of the Australian Wound Management Association, 18-21 March, 2012, Sydney, Australia (2012) [Conference Extract] | |
2012 | O'Brien JA, Edwards H, Finlayson K, Kerr G, 'A Theory-Based Multifactorial Intervention to Increase Lower Limb Exercise and Progress in Healing For Adults with Venous Leg Ulcers', Proceedings of the 23rd International Nursing Research Congress, 30 July - 3 August, 2012, Brisbane, Australia, pp. 1-4. (2012) [Refereed Conference Paper] | |
2012 | O'Brien JA, Edwards H, Finlayson K, Stewart I, Kerr G, 'The overlooked aspect of wound management for adults with venous leg ulcers', Proceedings of the 4th Congress of the World Union of Wound Healing Societies, 2-6 September, 2012, Yokohama, Japan (2012) [Conference Extract] |
Thesis
(2 outputs)Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
---|---|---|
2015 | O'Brien JA, 'The benefits of a self-management telephone based intervention for promoting exercise and healing for promoting exercise and healing rate for venous leg ulcer patients' (2015) [PhD] | |
2010 | O'Brien JA, 'A pilot study assessing the feasibility of a home-based progressive resistance exercise program and trend toward healing rates for patients with venous leg ulcers' (2010) [Masters Research] |
Grants & Funding
Other grants
Project: 'The Benefits of a Self-Management Telephone Based Intervention for Promoting Exercise and Healing Rates for Venous Leg Ulcer Patients'
- Awarded to: Jane O'Brien, Prof Helen Edwards, QUT
- Funding: $4944 – Sigma Theta Tau International
- Outcomes: Two peer reviewed journal articles
Funding Summary
Number of grants
7
Total funding
Projects
- Funding
- Department of Health ($1,500,702)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Barnett AP; Obamiro KO; Lethborg C; Jessup BL; Belle MJ; Marsh P; Cooper JF; Andrews S; Marlow AH; Stirling CM; O'Brien JA
- Period
- 2022 - 2023
- Description
- The objective of this research study is to develop a tool for assessing Venous Leg Ulcer (VLU)-specific distress, as VLUs are a significant cause of chronic ill-health for older adults. This may assist in providing evidence for additional interventional support and has the potential to improve patient quality of life and self-management of a VLU.Preliminary work within this team has included a secondary analysis of qualitative data (n=12 transcripts) and then validation of the resulting distress related themes with two focus groups. This study will include two further phases in the development of a new tool.Phase I: A convenience sample of health professionals will be recruited to validate potential distress tool items in a modified Delphi survey which will indicate agreement or not with items to be included in a distress scale for people with VLUs and/or identify additional items. This will consist of up to three rounds of surveys or until consensus has occurred and items will be included if at least 70% consensus is obtained amongst health professionals. Consenting clinicians will be asked to consider whether the items address aspects of VLU distress that they encounter in clinical practice and to identify any additional items for inclusion. Potential health professionals will be recruited through our network of clinicians and researchers with experience caring for people with a VLU.Phase II: Cognitive interviews of a convenience sample of people with a VLU will be recruited from local wound care clinics to develop a coherent draft tool to measure distress, considering relevance, health literacy aspects and ease of use. Cognitive interviews will address face validity (the ease with which a person can understand each question) and content validity (the relevance of question content). Collaborations with local wound care clinics will ensure an appropriate sample size of health professionals nationally. The interviews will be led by an experienced health professional and recorded and transcribed.Ethics approval has been received from QUTs Human Research Ethics Committee (Ethics approval number: 1700000352) which complies with the National Statement on Ethical conduct in Human Research under the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
- Funding
- Wounds Australia ($10,000)
- Scheme
- Research Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Parker C; Finlayson K; Edwards H; O'Brien JA
- Year
- 2021
- Description
- We are partnering with a not-for-profit community-based organisation (Community Care Northern Beaches (CCNB) Limited) who are providing a wellness (reablement) program to their client base. Pilot data from that organisation indicates that the program is having a positive impact. Through this project we will systematically identify the core components of the wellness reablement program that support individual clients engagement with a personalised wellness plan. We will also develop a comprehensive evaluation framework linking the core program components to client-level outcomes. The outputs of this project will provide data to enable the development of larger scale implementation proposals for future funding applications.
- Funding
- University of Tasmania ($7,585)
- Scheme
- Grant- Research Enhancement Program
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- O'Brien JA; McCann DE; Bird ML; Courtney-Pratt HM; Chui K; Andrews SM
- Year
- 2019
- Description
- Undertaking pilot baseline evaluation work exploring the health and associated impacts of participation in sport and other activities for young adults with disability.
- Funding
- New Horizons Club ($5,000)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- McCann DE; O'Brien JA
- Period
- 2018 - 2019
- Description
- The aim of the project is to improve the quality of management of all clients being serviced by allied health professionals. The objectives are to develop health literacy learning modules that will facilitate allied health professionals to utilise new techniques and approaches to improve the quality management of their clients and long-term in order to:i)Improve health literacy for clinicians and clientsii)facilitate meaningful mutual functional and participatory goal settingiii)improve self-efficacy and self-management of clients.
- Funding
- MAIB Injury Prevention & Management Foundation ($70,425)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Bird ML; Elmer SL; O'Brien JA; Schneiders MA
- Year
- 2017
- Description
- Waiting for publicly funded hip or knee arthroplasty can take over 12 months, and low physical activity levels while waiting for surgery may contribute to development of multi-morbidities and reduce health benefits post-surgery. The aim of the project is to quantify the benefits of a group exercise training program with targeted behaviour change counselling on ongoing physical activity participation and health related outcomes in patients on the hip or knee arthroplasty wait list. The objectives are to compare the effectiveness of the intervention compared to a usual care control group on daily physical activity and pain ratings and markers of co-morbidities (diabetes and cardiovascular disease).
- Funding
- Clifford Craig Foundation ($47,241)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Bird ML; Mulford J; Fell JW; O'Brien JA; Williams AD
- Year
- 2017
- Description
- To develop a wound management database that enables the collection and analysis of Australian data concerning the prevalence of various types of wounds, as well as details about how these wounds are being managed/treated.
- Funding
- Wound Management Innovation Cooperative Research Centre ($1,129,850)
- Scheme
- Grant-Project
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Bindoff IK; Kinsman LD; Gee PR; Ling TR; Walsh K; Kornhaber RA; O'Brien JA; Gibb M; Scott J
- Period
- 2016 - 2018
Research Supervision
Dr O’Brien has supervised a number of Honours students to completion and has a number range of current HDR (PhD and Masters by Research).
Students who are potentially interested in working in the Wound Care Group should contact Dr Jane O'Brien (J.A.OBrien@utas.edu.au), and include a detailed CV, as well as a description of the type of research that they would like to undertake. Potential HDR students should have a relevant Bachelor's degree (with Honours), or Masters by Research degree, with peer-reviewed publications.
Current
2
Completed
2
Current
Degree | Title | Commenced |
---|---|---|
PhD | The Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist: Co-designing the role with patients and carers | 2021 |
PhD | What Constitutes Successful Intervention from Healthcare Professionals with Regard to Smoking Cessation and Promoting the Health and Wellbeing of People within the Tasmanian Community? | 2021 |
Completed
Degree | Title | Completed |
---|---|---|
PhD | The Effect of Activity Trackers on Physical Activity and Health in Older Adults Candidate: Katie-Jane Brickwood | 2020 |
PhD | Epidemiology of Health Care Utilisation for Low Back Pain: A population-based observational study in Ethiopia Candidate: Getahun Kebede Beyera | 2020 |