Profiles

Shandell Elmer

UTAS Home Dr Shandell Elmer

Shandell Elmer

Senior Research Fellow

Level 2, Northern Integrated Care Service , Launceston CBD Campuses

+61 3 6324 3317 (phone)

+61 3 6348 8798 (fax)

Shandell.Elmer@utas.edu.au

Shandell Elmer is a Senior Research Fellow within the School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia. Shandell draws upon her work in a variety of settings including community nursing, health promotion, and general practice to inform the design of her research and curriculum. A strong advocate for primary health care, Shandell's work focuses on health literacy to improve the way that health service providers identify and respond to health literacy needs.

Biography

Since commencing her career as a Registered Nurse working in oncology, Dr Elmer has had a diverse work history in the academic, health care and community sectors. Prior to her recent appointment in the School of Medicine, she has held academic positions within the Centre for Rural Health, School of Social Sciences and the School of Health Sciences. She has also been appointed as an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with the School of Education.

Dr Elmer has also worked within the health and community sector on a variety of projects with a focus on quality improvement and health service design. She has a keen interest in fostering the development of community-based health services in accordance with primary health care principles. These interests culminated in her PhD thesis which explored the ways that organisational social capital and organisational culture influences community participation within community service organisations.  

Dr Elmer has drawn on this experience and knowledge to inform her teaching and curriculum development. She has been awarded a Teaching Merit Certificate in recognition of her commitment to quality learning and teaching and the student experience.

From 2013, Dr Elmer has been developing a track record for health literacy research with health service providers, community, non-government organisations and health services, amassing more than $750 000 in grants and research consultancies. This has been achieved through the development of partnerships and collaborations including the Tasmanian Health Literacy Network. In 2017, together with Rosie Nash, Shandell launched the HealthLit4Kids pilot to improve the Health Literacy of Tasmanian School Children and their communities. This was in collaboration with DHHS, Menzies and the School of Education.

Career summary

Qualifications

  • PhD, University of Tasmania, Australia, 2010. Exploring the relationship between organisational culture, social capital and community participation in human service organisations
  • Bachelor of Arts (1st class honours), University of Tasmania, Australia, 2002. Experiences of Community Participation in Health
  • Bachelor of Arts, University of Tasmania, Australia, 1999
  • Registered Nurse, Launceston General Hospital, Australia, 1987

Memberships

Professional practice

  • Chairperson, Karinya Young Women's Service
  • Co-founder of the Tasmanian Health Literacy Network

Teaching

Nursing research, health sociology, primary health care, health literacy, community health

Teaching expertise

Dr Elmer's teaching interests focus on primary health care, health sociology and nursing research. In teaching practice, she strives to incorporate elements of authentic learning by providing students the opportunity to explore, discuss and construct concepts in meaningful ways and with relevance to real-life problems.

Dr Elmer is also involved in activities that facilitate interprofessional learning, such as student participation in events like Agfest. Dr Elmer has previously facilitated a Peer Learning Circle of colleagues from across the College of Health and Medicine who share an interest in ensuring students are equipped to identify and respond to the health literacy needs of their future clients/patients. The group developed a health literacy curriculum framework for use across all undergraduate health science courses, including shared learning and teaching materials.

View more on AssocProf Shandell Elmer in WARP

Expertise

  • Realist evaluation
  • Qualitative methods
  • Community engagement
  • Accreditation processes
  • Quality improvement
  • Project management
  • Facilitation
  • Health literacy
  • Community participation
  • Primary health care
  • Health services research
  • Organisational culture
  • Social capital
  • Health sociology

Research Themes

Dr Elmer's research aligns with the university's research theme of Better Health. Her interests include health literacy and health services research. Her interest in health literacy is an extension of work in the area of primary health care and involves research related to the undergraduate curriculum of health science students, and the practice of health care professionals. She has gained experience in health service evaluation as an assessor for quality assurance/accreditation agencies and through contract research consultancies.

Current projects

Dr Elmer's current research projects include:

  1. 'An Exercise in Health Literacy': funded through the Faculty of Health strategic research grants; conducted with the Exercise Clinic at University of Tasmania
  2. 'Health Literacy – Resource Development and Evaluation': funded through the Department of Health and Human Services (as part of the Primary Health Tasmania Social Determinants program); conducted in partnership with Population Health and Tasmanian Medicare Local
  3. 'Health literacy interventions to support newly-arrived former refugees to manage their medications': funded through the Tasmanian Community Fund; conducted in partnership with School of Medicine
  4. 'OPtimising HEalth LIterAcy (OPHELIA): A process to address health literacy for Tasmanians with a chronic disease': funded through the Research Enhancement Grants Scheme, University of Tasmania
  5. 'Building Community Capacity for Health Literacy' funded by Primary Health Tasmania

Fields of Research

  • Health services and systems (420399)
  • Primary health care (420319)
  • Health promotion (420603)
  • Health and community services (420305)
  • Community child health (420601)
  • Community and primary care (420503)
  • Medicine, nursing and health curriculum and pedagogy (390110)
  • Organisational planning and management (350711)
  • Physiotherapy (420106)
  • Health care administration (420306)
  • Infectious diseases (320211)
  • Sociology (441099)
  • Clinical sciences (320299)
  • Mental health services (420313)
  • Exercise physiology (420702)
  • Epidemiology (420299)
  • Pain (320218)
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander public health and wellbeing (450417)
  • Health policy (440706)
  • Cardiology (incl. cardiovascular diseases) (320101)
  • Health equity (420602)
  • Higher education (390303)
  • Primary education (390304)
  • Educational technology and computing (390405)
  • Sociological methodology and research methods (441006)
  • Preventative health care (420605)
  • Rehabilitation (420109)
  • Agricultural biotechnology (300199)
  • Social geography (440610)
  • Social determinants of health (420606)
  • Residential client care (420320)
  • Architectural design (330102)
  • Aged care nursing (420502)
  • Motor control (420703)
  • Information systems philosophy, research methods and theory (460909)
  • Education assessment and evaluation (390402)
  • Health economics (380108)

Research Objectives

  • Health education and promotion (200203)
  • Other health (209999)
  • Neonatal and child health (200506)
  • Evaluation of health and support services (200299)
  • Clinical health (200199)
  • Nursing (200307)
  • Behaviour and health (200401)
  • Health policy evaluation (200205)
  • Allied health therapies (excl. mental health services) (200301)
  • Evaluation of health outcomes (200202)
  • Preventive medicine (200412)
  • Public health (excl. specific population health) (200499)
  • Health system performance (incl. effectiveness of programs) (200206)
  • Rural and remote area health (200508)
  • Determinants of health (200201)
  • Mental health services (200305)
  • Primary education (160103)
  • Women's and maternal health (200509)
  • Understanding Australia's past (130703)
  • Teaching and instruction technologies (160304)
  • Occupational health (200507)
  • Health status (incl. wellbeing) (200407)
  • Provision of health and support services (200399)
  • Health related to specific ethnic groups (200503)
  • Human pain management (200103)
  • Pacific Peoples community services (210999)
  • Expanding knowledge in human society (280123)
  • Community health care (200302)
  • Expanding knowledge in education (280109)
  • Teacher and instructor development (160303)
  • Ability and disability (230101)
  • Expanding knowledge in built environment and design (280104)

Publications

Shandell regularly reviews articles for the Australian Journal of Rural Health.

Total publications

85

Journal Article

(22 outputs)
YearCitationAltmetrics
2022Cruickshank V, Pill S, Williams J, Nash R, Mainsbridge C, et al., 'Exploring the 'everyday philosophies' of generalist primary school teacher delivery of health literacy education', Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education ISSN 2574-2981 (2022) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1080/25742981.2022.2059384 [eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Cruickshank V; Nash R; Mainsbridge C; MacDonald A

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2021Murray L, Elmer S, Breen JL, Nash R, 'Distributive health literacy and medication management: A longitudinal qualitative study with Bhutanese former-refugees in Tasmania', Health Promotion Journal of Australia pp. 1-9. ISSN 1036-1073 (2021) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1002/hpja.501 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Web of Science - 1

Co-authors: Murray L; Breen JL; Nash R

Tweet

2021Nash R, Otten C, Pill S, Williams J, Mainsbridge C, et al., 'School leaders reflections on their school's engagement in a program to foster health literacy development', International Journal of Educational Research Open, 2-2 Article 100089. ISSN 2666-3740 (2021) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedro.2021.100089 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 1

Co-authors: Nash R; Otten C; Mainsbridge C; Cruickshank V

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2021Ogden K, Kilpatrick S, Elmer S, Rooney K, 'Attributes and generic competencies required of doctors: findings from a participatory concept mapping study', BMC Health Services Research, 21, (1) pp. 1-14. ISSN 1472-6963 (2021) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06519-9 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2

Co-authors: Ogden K; Kilpatrick S; Rooney K

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2020Bird 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; Flittner A; O'Brien JA

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2020Bridgman H, Bird ML, Heyworth KJ, Maine G, Hardcastle SG, et al., 'Evaluating an interprofessional workshop on persistent pain: the role of adult learning and social identity theories', Journal of Applied Learning & Teaching, 3, (Special Issue No.1) pp. 129-139. ISSN 2591-801X (2020) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.37074/jalt.2020.3.s1.11 [eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Bridgman H; Bird ML; Heyworth KJ; Maine G; Hardcastle SG; Murray SL; Radford J; Norris KA; Dean T; Marlow AH; Williams AD; Todd A

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2020Bridgman H, Todd A, Maine G, Hardcastle S, Bird ML, et al., 'Piloting an interprofessional chronic pain management program: perspectives of health students and community clients', Journal of Interprofessional Care pp. 1-10. ISSN 1356-1820 (2020) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1080/13561820.2020.1830047 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 1

Co-authors: Bridgman H; Todd A; Maine G; Hardcastle S; Bird ML; Radford J; Marlow A; Murray S; Norris K; Dean T; Williams A

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2020Nash R, Cruickshank V, Flittner A, Mainsbridge C, Pill S, et al., 'How did parents view the impact of the curriculum-based HealthLit4Kids program beyond the classroom?', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17, (4) pp. 1-13. ISSN 1661-7827 (2020) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041449 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 15Web of Science - 14

Co-authors: Nash R; Cruickshank V; Flittner A; Mainsbridge C

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2020Nash R, Cruickshank V, Pill S, MacDonald A, Coleman C, et al., 'HealthLit4Kids: Dilemmas associated with student health literacy development in the primary school setting', Health Education Journal, 80, (2) pp. 173-186. ISSN 0017-8969 (2020) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1177/0017896920961423 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 11Web of Science - 10

Co-authors: Nash R; Cruickshank V; MacDonald A; Coleman C

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2019Choudhry FZ, Ming LC, Munawar K, Zaidi STR, Patel RP, et al., 'Health literacy studies conducted in Australia: A scoping review', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16, (7) pp. 1-32. ISSN 1660-4601 (2019) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071112 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 22Web of Science - 21

Co-authors: Ming LC; Zaidi STR; Patel RP

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2018Chan A, Kinsman L, Elmer S, Khanam M, 'An integrative review: adherence barriers to a low-salt diet in culturally diverse heart failure adults', Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 36, (1) pp. 37-47. ISSN 1447-4328 (2018) [Refereed Article]

[eCite] [Details]

Citations: Web of Science - 6

Co-authors: Chan A; Kinsman L; Khanam M

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2018Chen PY, Elmer S, Callisaya M, Wills K, Greenaway TM, et al., 'Associations of health literacy with diabetic foot outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Diabetic Medicine, 35, (11) pp. 1470-1479. ISSN 0742-3071 (2018) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1111/dme.13694 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 10Web of Science - 7

Co-authors: Chen PY; Callisaya M; Wills K; Greenaway TM; Winzenberg TM

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2018Murray L, Elmer S, Elkhair J, 'Perceived barriers to managing medications and solutions to barriers suggested by Bhutanese former refugees and service providers', Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 29, (6) pp. 570-577. ISSN 1043-6596 (2018) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1177/1043659618768702 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 8Web of Science - 8

Co-authors: Murray L; Elkhair J

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2018Nash R, Elmer S, 'Health Literacy for Kids in Tasmania', Australian Pharmacist, Dec/Jan 2018 pp. 21. ISSN 0728-4632 (2018) [Professional, Refereed Article]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Nash R

2018Nash R, Elmer S, Thomas K, Osborne R, Macintyre K, et al., 'HealthLit4Kids study protocol; Crossing boundaries for positive health literacy outcomes', BMC Public Health, 18, (1) Article 690. ISSN 1471-2458 (2018) [Contribution to Refereed Journal]

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5558-7 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 21Web of Science - 20

Co-authors: Nash R; Thomas K; Macintyre K; Shelley B; Murray L; Harpur S

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2018Nash RE, Elmer SL, Patterson K, Mainsbridge C, Gall SL, et al., 'HealthLit4Kids: Responding to a gap in health literacy education', The Health Advocate, April 2018 pp. 34-35. ISSN 2200-8659 (2018) [Professional, Refereed Article]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Nash RE; Patterson K; Mainsbridge C; Gall SL; Abbott-Chapman J

2017Elmer S, Bridgman H, Williams A, Bird ML, Murray S, et al., 'Evaluation of a Health Literacy Program for Chronic Conditions', Health Literacy Research and Practice, 1, (3) pp. e100-e108. ISSN 2474-8307 (2017) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.3928/24748307-20170523-01 [eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Bridgman H; Williams A; Bird ML; Murray S; Jones RP; Cheney M

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2017Gowing JR, Walker KN, Elmer SL, Cummings EA, 'Disaster preparedness among health professionals and support staff: what is effective? An integrative literature review', Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 32, (3) pp. 321-328. ISSN 1049-023X (2017) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X1700019X [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 73Web of Science - 66

Co-authors: Walker KN; Cummings EA

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2017Hookway N, Elmer S, Frandsen M, 'Risk, morality and emotion: social media responses to pregnant women who smoke', Health, Risk and Society, 19, (5-6) pp. 246-259. ISSN 1369-8575 (2017) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1080/13698575.2017.1385731 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 7

Co-authors: Hookway N; Frandsen M

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2015Elmer SL, Stirling CM, 'Women's health: a nurse practitioner case study', Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal, 22, (9) pp. 47. ISSN 2202-7114 (2015) [Non Refereed Article]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Stirling CM

2008Elmer SL, Kilpatrick SI, 'Another Look at the Culture-Quality-Performance Link', Australian Journal of Primary Health , 14, (2) pp. 35-45. ISSN 1448-7527 (2008) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1071/PY08020 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 2

Co-authors: Kilpatrick SI

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2006Elmer SL, Kilpatrick SI, 'Using Project Evaluation to Build Capacity for Integrated Health Care at Local Levels', Journal of Integrated Care, 14, (5) pp. 6-13. ISSN 1476-9018 (2006) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1108/14769018200600033 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 2

Co-authors: Kilpatrick SI

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Book

(3 outputs)
YearCitationAltmetrics
2011Willis KF, Elmer SL, 'Society, Culture and Health: An Introduction to Sociology for Nurses', Oxford University Press, South Melbourne, pp. 400. ISBN 9780195574623 (2011) [Authored Other Book]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Willis KF

2007Willis K, Elmer SL, 'Society, Culture and Health: An Introduction to Sociology for Nurses', Oxford University Press, Melbourne, pp. 276. ISBN 978019555907 (2007) [Authored Other Book]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Willis K

2007Willis K, Elmer SL, 'Society, Culture and Health - An Introduction to Sociology for Nurses', Oxford University Press, South Melbourne, VIC, pp. 276. ISBN 9780195559071 (2007) [Authored Other Book]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Willis K

Chapter in Book

(1 outputs)
YearCitationAltmetrics
2019Nash R, Elmer S, Osborne R, 'HealthLit4Kids: Building Health Literacy From the School Ground Up', Harnessing the Transformative Power of Education, Brill, B Shelley, K te Riele, N Brown and T Crellin (ed), Leiden, The Netherlands, pp. 210-225. ISBN 978-90-04-38872-7 (2019) [Research Book Chapter]

DOI: 10.1163/9789004417311_015 [eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Nash R

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Conference Publication

(35 outputs)
YearCitationAltmetrics
2021Nash R, Elmer S, Pill S, Cruickshank V, 'Teacher dilemmas associated with student health literacy development in the primary school setting', Global Health Literacy Summit 2021, 3-5 October 2021, virtual (2021) [Plenary Presentation]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Nash R; Cruickshank V

2021Nash R, Kemp N, Elmer S, Patterson K, Wyss M, et al., 'Co-designing health literacy responsive schools in Tasmania, Australia', Global Health Literacy Summit 2021, 3-5 October 2021, virtual (2021) [Plenary Presentation]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Nash R; Kemp N; Patterson K; Roach J

2021Nash R, Patterson K, Cruickshank V, Otten C, Melwani S, et al., 'HealthLit4Kids: A professional development program to improve teachers' health literacy knowledge, skills and experience', Global Health Literacy Summit, 3-5 October 2021, virtual (2021) [Plenary Presentation]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Nash R; Patterson K; Cruickshank V; Otten C; Melwani S

2019Bird 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]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Bird ML; O'Brien J

2019Bonney A, Radford J, Metusela C, Russell G, Zwar N, et al., 'What is the acceptability of sustainable, continuous quality incentives in primary care in the EQuIP-GP trial?', SAPC ASM 2019 - Exeter, 3-5 July 2019, University of Exeter, UK (2019) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Radford J; Peterson GM

2019Bridgman H, Bird M-L, Dean T, Elmer S, Hardcastle S, et al., 'Sustaining undergraduate inter-professional practice', The Australian & New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators (ANZAHPE) 2019 Conference, 1-4 July, Canberra, ACT (2019) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Bridgman H; Bird M-L; Dean T; Hardcastle S; Marlow A; Murray S; Norris K; Radford J; Todd A; Williams A

2019Burke E, Nash R, Elmer S, MacDonald A, 'HealthLit4Kids: Empowering health literacy through the arts in HealthLit4Kids: the benefits of arts-based pedagogies for health literacy in primary school-aged children', Engagement Transforms 2019 (ET19), 6 September 2019, Hobart, Tasmania (2019) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Burke E; Nash R; MacDonald A

2019Flittner A, Nash R, Elmer S, Cruickshank V, Murray L, 'Empowering children, teachers and parents through HealthLit4Kids in schools: parent views of student engagement', Engagement Transforms 2019 (ET19), 6 September, Hobart, Tasmania (2019) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Flittner A; Nash R; Cruickshank V; Murray L

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2019Mainsbridge C, Nash R, Elmer S, Patterson K, Cruickshank V, et al., 'HealthLit4Kids Animation: inclusive and informed participants', Engagement Transforms 2019 (ET19), 6 September, Hobart, Tasmania (2019) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Mainsbridge C; Nash R; Patterson K; Cruickshank V; McDonald A; Burke E; Dick R

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2019Nash R, Elmer S, 'HealthLit4Kids Animation: included and informed participants, Alternative Showings: New Technologies - Capacity building & youth engagement for health promotion', IUHPE Conference, 8 April 2019, Rotorua, New Zealand (2019) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Nash R

2019Nash R, Elmer S, 'HealthLit4Kids: Building health literacy from the schoolyard', IUHPE Conference, 7-11 April 2019, Rotorua, New Zealand (2019) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Nash R

2019Nash R, Patterson K, Burke E, Elmer S, Mainsbridge C, et al., 'HealthLit4Kids: Promoting Health Literacy in Tasmanian Primary Schools- Capturing, Curating and Evaluating Health Literacy Artefacts', Engagement Transforms 2019 (ET19), 6 September 2019, Hobart, Tasmania (2019) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Nash R; Patterson K; Burke E; Mainsbridge C; Gall S; Shelley B; Ollington N

2018Bridgman H, Maine G, Murray SL, Williams AD, Hardcastle SG, et al., 'Evaluation of an interprofessional, student co-facilitated community chronic pain management program', Teaching Matters 2018, November, University of Tasmania, Newnham Campus, Launceston (2018) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Bridgman H; Murray SL; Williams AD; Hardcastle SG; Bird ML; Radford JC; Todd A; Dean T; Norris K; Marlow AH

2018Davis 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]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Davis E; O'Brien JA

2018Nash R, Elmer S, Osborne R, Patterson K, 'HealthLit4Kids: A primary school program, crossing boundaries for positive health literacy outcomes', CAPHIA Public Health Teaching & Learning Forum in Cairns, 24-25 September 2018, Cairns, Australia (2018) [Plenary Presentation]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Nash R; Patterson K

2018Patterson K, Nash R, Elmer S, 'HealthLit4Kids: Building health literacy from the ground up', 2018 ACHPER Tasmania State Conference, 14 September 2018, Launceston, Tasmania (2018) [Plenary Presentation]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Nash R

2017Bird 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]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Bird ML; O'Brien JA

2017Nash R, Elmer S, Shelley B, 'HealthLit4Kids: a pilot program Crossing boundaries for Positive health literacy outcomes', 2nd Education Transforms Symposium, 12 -14 July 2017, Hobart, Tasmania (2017) [Plenary Presentation]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Nash R; Shelley B

2015Chen P, Elmer SL, Callisaya M, Greenaway T, Wills KE, et al., 'Influence of health literacy on foot outcomes in diabetes: a systematic review protocol', 7th International symposium on the diabetic foot, 20-23 May, 2015, The Hague, Netherlands, pp. 9. (2015) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Chen P; Callisaya M; Wills KE; Winzenberg TM

2015Elmer SL, Webb D, Van Der Ploeg PM, 'Starting the journey to becoming a health literate organisation', Sustainable Healthcare Transformation Conference, 18-20 March, 2015, Hobart, Tasmania (2015) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Van Der Ploeg PM

2015Ogden K, Kilpatrick SI, Elmer SL, Rooney KF, 'Education for complexity: How can complexity theory inform 21st century medical education?', Sustainable Healthcare Transformation Conference, 18-20 March, 2015, Hobart, Tasmania (2015) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Ogden K; Kilpatrick SI; Rooney KF

2015Van Der Ploeg WJ, Elmer SL, King SG, Williams AD, 'An Exercise in Health Literacy: Fostering the Health Literacy of Clients Attending an Exercise Clinic', Sustainable Healthcare Transformation Conference, 18-20 March, 2015, Hobart, Tasmania (2015) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Van Der Ploeg WJ; King SG; Williams AD

2014Elmer SL, Webb D, Magee J, 'Looking at Health Literacy Through a Health Equity Lens', TasCOSS Conference, 13-14 November, 2014, Hobart, Tasmania (2014) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

2013Elmer SL, Webb D, 'Health literacy - unlocking the system', Australian Disease Management Association, 22-23 August 2013, Sydney, pp. 1. (2013) [Conference Edited]

[eCite] [Details]

2013Elmer SL, Webb D, 'A systems approach to integrating health literacy training into the workplace', Health Literacy, 26 November 2013, Sydney, Australia, pp. 1. (2013) [Conference Edited]

[eCite] [Details]

2013Fei J, Mather C, Elmer S, Allan C, Chin C, et al., 'Use of Echo360 generated materials and its impact on class attendance', Electric Dreams - Proceedings of the 30th Annual Ascilite Conference, 1-4 December 2013, Macquarie University, Australia, pp. 1-5. (2013) [Refereed Conference Paper]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Fei J; Mather C; Allan C; Chin C; Chandler L

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2013Smith A, Beauchamp A, Elmer SL, Livingston T, 'Incorporating Explicit Health Literacy Awareness in Health Professional Education', 21st IUHPE World Conference on Health Promotion, 25-29 August 2013, Pattayam Thailand, pp. 1. (2013) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

2012Elmer SL, 'Paths Through the Maze - becoming quality literate', 2012 Quality Forum - Unravelling the quality maze, 15 March 2012, South Australia, Australia, pp. 1-25. (2012) [Keynote Presentation]

[eCite] [Details]

2012Elmer SL, 'Learning from Quality', AOQ Qualcon, 20-22 October 2012, Melbourne, Australia, pp. 1-4. (2012) [Conference Edited]

[eCite] [Details]

2009Le Q, Elmer SL, Kilpatrick SI, 'Adapting to rural communities by overseas-born health professionals', 10th National Rural Health Conference Proceedings: Rural Health, the place to be, 17-20 May 2009, Cairns, Qld, pp. 1-9. ISBN 1 921219 15 7 (2009) [Refereed Conference Paper]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Le Q; Kilpatrick SI

2008Elmer SL, 'Organisational readiness for community participation: the benefits of a socio-cultural approach', Not known, 4-6 June 2008, Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, Tasmania , pp. Not known. (2008) [Conference Edited]

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2008Elmer SL, Kilpatrick SI, 'The Link Between Quality Improvement and Capacity Building', Fourth Annual Tasmanian Symposium , November 1 2007, University of Tasmania, Launceston , pp. Not applicable. (2008) [Conference Extract]

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Co-authors: Kilpatrick SI

2008Elmer SL, Kilpatrick SI, 'Developing organisational capacity: from quality we learn', Conference Booklet, 28-30 April, 2008, Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, Tasmania, pp. Not applicable. (2008) [Conference Extract]

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Co-authors: Kilpatrick SI

2005Elmer SL, Kilpatrick SI, 'Capacity Building for Integrated Health Care at the Local Level', Capacity Building for Integrated Health Care at the Local Level, July 2005, Adelaide (2005) [Conference Extract]

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Co-authors: Kilpatrick SI

2005Kilpatrick SI, Elmer SL, 'Capacity building for integrated health care at the local level', Making Primary Health Care Work:Challenges for the Education and Practice of the Health Workforce, 12-17 November 2005, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, pp. 211. (2005) [Conference Extract]

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Co-authors: Kilpatrick SI

Contract Report, Consultant's Report

(10 outputs)
YearCitationAltmetrics
2017Elmer SL, Nash R, Lee S, Jones RP, 'Review of the Communication and Health Literacy Action Plan', Public Health Services, DHHS, Tasmania, 1-39 (2017) [Contract Report]

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Co-authors: Nash R; Lee S; Jones RP

2016Elmer SL, Jones RP, 'Health Literacy in the Community Sector Project Summary Evaluation Report', TasCOSS, Australia (2016) [Contract Report]

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Co-authors: Jones RP

2016Elmer SL, Van Der Ploeg WJ, 'Health Literacy - Resource Development and Evaluation: (Phase 1 and 2) incorporating the Complementary Evaluation', Public Health Services Tasmanian DHHS and Primary Health Tasmania, Australia, Final Report (2016) [Contract Report]

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Co-authors: Van Der Ploeg WJ

2016Schneiders MA, Elmer SL, 'Building Community Capacity for Health Literacy: Report on Activities January to June 2016', Primary Health Tasmania, part of the Primary Health Networks Programme (2016) [Contract Report]

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Co-authors: Schneiders MA

2013Elmer SL, Jones RP, 'A systems approach to addressing health literacy', Population Health, Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services, Australia (2013) [Contract Report]

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Co-authors: Jones RP

2013Elmer SL, Stirling CM, 'Evaluation of The Nurse Practitioner Role at the Hobart Women's Health Centre', University of Tasmania (2013) [Contract Report]

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Co-authors: Stirling CM

2011Bell EJ, Blizzard CL, Elmer SL, 'A Tasmanian framework for benchmarking the achievement of health policy goals for chronic disease ('Connecting Care')', Tasmanian Government, 1 (2011) [Consultants Report]

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Co-authors: Bell EJ; Blizzard CL

2008Elmer SL, 'The Evaluation of a Pilot Project Designed to Guide the Appointment, Assessment and Subsequent Support Provided to Newly Arrived Overseas Trained Doctors at the Launceston General Hospital, Final Report', Postgraduate Medical Institute of Tasmania (2008) [Consultants Report]

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2005Elmer SL, 'GP Hospital Integration Demonstration Site Launceston Final Evaluation Report', Launceston General Hospital (2005) [Contract Report]

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2005Stirling CM, Elmer SL, 'Evaluation of the Cancer Council Tasmania's Cancer Connect and Cancer Helpline Services Final Report', The Cancer Council Tasmania (2005) [Contract Report]

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Co-authors: Stirling CM

Other Public Output

(14 outputs)
YearCitationAltmetrics
2021Nash R, Elmer S, MacDonald A, Otten C, Kemp N, et al., 'Health Literacy and Equity Research Group', College of Health & Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia (2021) [Report Other]

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Co-authors: Nash R; MacDonald A; Otten C; Kemp N; Cruickshank V; Melwani S; Naidoo T

Tweet

2020Nash R, Cruickshank V, Patterson K, Kemp N, Elmer S, 'CSIRO ON PRIME Facilitators Performance Bonus $2000: Healthlit4Kids Team' (2020) [Award]

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Co-authors: Nash R; Cruickshank V; Patterson K; Kemp N

2019Doherty B, Nash R, Elmer S, Campbell J, Julian R, et al., 'Lead Support Coordinator Service (LSCS) Evaluation Report', Prepared for the Department of Communities, Tasmania, Australia (2019) [Report of Restricted Access]

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Co-authors: Doherty B; Nash R; Campbell J; Julian R; Vandenberg M; West S; de Graaff B; Palmer A

2019Kinsman S, Radford JC, Elmer S, Ogden K, Randles S, et al., 'OPHELIA CVD: A pilot study of optimising health literacy in hard to reach' men for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. (2016-2018)', University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, 17 April, pp. 1-47. (2019) [Report Other]

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Co-authors: Radford JC; Ogden K; Randles S; Hodson A; Gardner T

2019Nash R, Elmer SL, Patterson KAE, Mainsbridge C, Burke EK, et al., 'Finalist: Betta Milk Make It Betta' Health Achievement Award' (2019) [Award]

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Co-authors: Nash R; Patterson KAE; Mainsbridge C; Burke EK; Cruickshank V; MacDonald AJ; Kemp NM; Smith KJ; Kelly RK; Flittner AC; Otten CE

2017Elmer S, ' #Hello my name is .' co-founder Chris Pointon to speak in Tasmania', UTAS College of Health and Medicine News (2017) [Internal Newsletter]

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2017Elmer SL, 'Teaching school kids to talk health', Research to Reality UTAS News, 29 November 2017 (2017) [Internal Newsletter]

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2017Elmer SL, 'TasWeekend: Having the courage to ask questions of doctor', The Mercury, 28 January 2017 (2017) [Newspaper Article]

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2016Elmer S, ''Hello my name is ...' campaign to encourage compassionate healthcare', The Examiner, online, October 25 2016 (2016) [Newspaper Article]

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Tweet

2016Elmer SL, 'Health workers and students reminded of the importance of an introduction', Research to Reality UTAS News, Research to Reality UTAS News, Tasmania, 24 October 2016 (2016) [Internal Newsletter]

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2016Elmer SL, 'AHRQ Health Literacy Toolkit Supports Better Health Communication in Tasmania', Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, online, August 2016 (2016) [Report Other]

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2015Elmer S, 'Improving health literacy in Tasmania', Research to Reality UTAS News, 14 April 2015 (2015) [Internal Newsletter]

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2015Elmer SL, 'Literacy help for heart patients', The Examiner, 11 April 2015, p. 24. (2015) [Newspaper Article]

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2014Simpson H, Duers L, Rankin J, McFadyen J, Campbell SJ, et al., 'Health Benchmarking Project Final Report', University of Tasmania and University of the West of Scotland, pp. 1-45. (2014) [Government or Industry Research]

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Co-authors: Campbell SJ; Stirling CM; Walsh K; Ford K; Geraghty DP; Williams AD; Eri RD; Robinson AL; Miller AB; Cross M; McKay AJ; Sondermeyer J; Cooper JF; Booth S

Grants & Funding

Since commencing in her current role in 2012, Shandell has developed strong links across the College of Health and medicine and with industry partners to pursue research in the area of health literacy.

Funding Summary

Number of grants

23

Total funding

$1,330,578

Projects

Digital Solutions: Taking HealthLit4Kids from Tasmania to the World (2022)$74,500
Description
HealthLit4Kids is the first known program designed to develop health literacy with a whole of school and individual classroom (curriculum design). It is unique and addresses a gap that exists locally, nationally and globally. The international literature has highlighted that health literacy development programs for primary schools/primary school aged children are scarce. Professional development and online resources need to be offered to multiple stakeholders who work with children and families including: paediatric registrars, public health interns, UTAS allied health masters students (dietitians, physio, social workers, occupational therapists, dieticians, clinical pharmacy, nursing) as an elective, school nurses, school psychologists, school social workers, child health and parenting services (CHAPs) nurses, oral health services (dentists and dental nurses), community based allied health professionals, early childhood teachers, teacher assistants, parents, community service providers (Mission, Redcross, Baptcare), primary and HPE teachers, play specialists, paediatric nurses, hospital school teachers. There is increasing demand for the HealthLit4Kids program nationally (64 schools on the wait list), including interest from Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia and internationally Nigeria, Cameroon, Ireland, India, United Arab Emirates, Canada. This has increased since the publication of the research findings from the successful implementation of HealthLit4Kids in 5 Tasmanian schools. This demand is likely to escalate with the publication of the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Report Health literacy development for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (due September 2021). This Report has been classified as a Global Public Good and includes a case study of HealthLit4Kids as part of the WHO National Health Literacy Demonstration Programs. The HealthLit4Kids founders are currently exploring alternative ways to meet this demand, including the creation of a social enterprise. The IP under development has been created within HealthLit4Kids which is an education program designed for use in primary schools to facilitate the development of children's health literacy. Further development of this IP will enable the program developers to extend the reach of HealthLit4Kids through mechanisms which embed sustainability and scalability, including digital platforms. Since April 2019, we have had 64 HealthLit4Kids registrations (29 Tasmania, 23 Nationally [QLD, NT, NSW, WA, VIC], 13 Internationally). The interest we have had from other states in Australia are predominantly from remote areas including Tennant Creek (NT), Bundaberg (QLD), Alice Springs (NT) and Pilbara (WA). This highlights a clear need and an opportunity to address inequity. Staff from 3 Hospitals (QLD, NSW, TAS) have also enquired and expressed an interest in its transferability to a children's ward/hospital setting. More recently due to an international book project being led by Dr Rosie Nash, we have received requests for our program from health literacy peers internationally, the most recent being from Nigeria, Africa. A preliminary review of the market suggest HealthLit4Kids is still leading internationally and that no competing program exists currently.
Funding
University of Tasmania ($74,500)
Scheme
Grant-Innovation Impact Fund
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Nash RE; Cruickshank V; Patterson KAE; Kemp NM; Reid DM; MacDonald AJ; Elmer SL
Year
2022
Lead Support Coordinator Service (LSCS) Evaluation (2018)$99,999
Description
The LSCS trials a new model of coordinated care for clients with complex needs . Three community service organisations, Australian Red Cross, Mission Australia and Baptcare will employ 12 Lead service. Coordinators to provide the service to a maximum of 30 Tasmanians with multiple service needs. Clients will work with the coordinator to identify needs and match them to available services. The evaluation aims to test if this model of coordination leads to better health and wellbeing outcomes for the clients and more efficient and cost effective service delivery.
Funding
Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania ($99,999)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Doherty BT; Nash RE; Elmer SL; de Graaff B; Julian RD; Campbell JA; Palmer AJ
Year
2018
Proof of concept: HealthLit4Kids at four diverse Tasmanian schools (2018 - 2019)$89,794
Description
Preventative health project, empowering teachers and students to explore, discuss, design and share resources capable of improving Health/Literacy of Tasmanian school children and their families.The project will be conducted at four schools (to evaluate the Context, Mechanisms, Outcomes (COMS) necessary for program impact on the health literacy of the local community. Proof of concept will inform necessary resources and dissemination Tasmania wide (pending ARC partnership funds- DoE and DHHS). HealthLit4Kids program unfolds over three stages:Stage 1: Mobilise Resources & baseline MeasuresStage 2: Health literacy workshops & Classroom activitiesStage 3: Evaluation, Reporting & Dissemination
Funding
Tasmanian Community Fund ($89,794)
Scheme
Grant
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Nash RE; Elmer SL; Patterson KAE; Mainsbridge C; Abbott-Chapman J; Gall SL
Period
2018 - 2019
Promoting Health Literacy in Tasmanian Primary Schools - Capturing, Curating and Evaluating Health Literacy Artefacts (2018)$19,468
Funding
University of Tasmania ($19,468)
Scheme
Grant - CALE Hothouse Alignment Scheme
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Patterson KAE; Mainsbridge C; Hookway NS; Abbott-Chapman J; Nash RE; Elmer SL; Gall SL; Shelley B; Gibson AC
Year
2018
Improve Health Literacy Responsiveness; Improve Client Outcomes (2017)$70,425
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
Review of the Communication and Health Literacy Action Plan (CHL) (2017)$24,042
Description
This evaluation of the CHL seeks to understand and document its influence, utility, reach, relevance and future focus. The key foci for the evaluation are health literacy awareness; workforce development; organisational development; and partnerships.
Funding
Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania ($24,042)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Elmer SL; Lee SM; Nash RE; Jones RP
Year
2017
Promoting Health Literacy in Tasmanian Primary Schools - Evaluating the HealthLit4Kids pilot study. (2017)$9,912
Description
Preventative health project, empowering teachers and students to explore, discuss, design and share resources capable of improving Health/Literacy of Tasmanian school children and their families.The HealthLit4Kids pilot study has been designed and run by the Lead researchers during 2017 in Blackman's Bay Primary School, Tasmania, as part of a planned mixed method, multi-stage project. Health literacy is the ability to access, understand and apply information about healthy lifestyle choices that influence health behaviours and outcomes throughout the life course. Tasmania has low rates of literacy and health literacy; morbidity and mortality statistics are some of the worst in Australia. Therefore promoting and developing Health Literacy at the primary school level is of the utmost importance. This is best done through research partnerships with schools, teachers, parents and community organisations. This project has so far been resourced and supported by the lead researchers, school principal and teachers and a number of local community organisations. Following preparatory teacher workshops a comprehensive School Action Plan was developed. Innovative classroom teaching took place during July, August and September in all year grades, on a variety of Health Literacy topics related the Australian National Curriculum, Health and Physical Education. These classroom activities aimed to introduce to children culturally, socially and age group relevant Health Literacy concepts and their practical applications. Qualitative evidence of students' engagement and learning outcomes will be evaluated by teachers and researchers during a Health Literacy competition to be held 24 September to 4 October. Now CCS funding is sought for a paid Research Assistant who is needed in order to help the expanded research team analyse data already gathered and planned, including a parents' survey, focus group and final teacher workshop. Lessons learned about effective Health Literacy teaching strategies and resources modelled in the pilot need to be critically examined, analysed and documented in preparation for a broader project to be conducted in other primary schools in 2018, pending external grant funding.
Funding
University of Tasmania ($9,912)
Scheme
Creativity, Culture & Society Research Development
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Nash RE; Elmer SL; Abbott-Chapman J; Gall SL; Mainsbridge C; Patterson KAE
Year
2017
Complementary Health Literacy Project Evaluation: Strengthening Self Efficacy & Competency For Practitioners (Health Literacy Project) (2016)$70,000
Description
This proposal extends the evaluation of the Health Literacy Project (RMDB 3365) to encompass the factors that have led to greater than anticipated impact and spread. The current evaluation underway for the Health Literacy Project aims to: *Assess the success of the project in achieving the stated aim and objectives; and*Investigate the factors (eg social, behavioural, economic, management) that impact on the sustainable uptake, adoption and implementation of evidence-based interventions.Using an implementation science framework, the evaluation plan focuses on the activities undertaken to achieve the project objectives and the way that these have been implemented.The opportunity to extend the evaluation more broadly will enable a stronger focus on factors related to maintaining the activities beyond the life of the project (sustainability) such as partnerships, as well as organisational and practice change. Importantly, it will also involve feedback from consumers. The improved health literacy of consumers (patients) is a higher order objective of the Health Literacy Project, but outside the current scope of the evaluation plan. The extended evaluation will also consider the spread of the Health Literacy Project, that is, the extension to other areas so that they can also benefit.
Funding
Primary Health Tasmania ($70,000)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Elmer SL; Van Der Ploeg WJ
Year
2016
Health literacy in the community sector (2016)$65,000
Description
Building on the growing interest and momentum for building individual, community and organisational capacity for health literacy, TasCOSS has been funded by Primary Health Tasmania to extend the focus for health literacy activities to the community sector. The School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, has been commissioned by TasCOSS to undertake the research and evaluation components of this project. The research and evaluation will contribute to the evidence-base of health literacy capacity building approaches. The evaluation has three foci: the health literacy training (workshops, forum); the health literacy community of practice; and the sustained impact of the project.
Funding
Tasmanian Council of Social Service Inc ($65,000)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Elmer SL
Year
2016
Health Literacy - Consumer Engagement (2016 - 2017)$40,000
Description
Consumers find it difficult to navigate an increasingly complex and fragment health system. Creating environments that are supportive of health literacy will help to overcome some of these challenges. Using principles of co-design, this research project will focus on identifying, developing and evaluating resources that will assist and support consumers to navigate the health system.
Funding
Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania ($40,000)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Elmer SL; Schneiders MA
Period
2016 - 2017
Health Literacy - Resource Development and Evaluation Project Phase 2 (2015 - 2016)$77,049
Description
This project aims to support and strengthen the health and community sector workforce to include health literacy considerations into their daily work practice to improve Tasmanian's access to health information. The objectives are to: Raise awareness in the health and community sector workforce of health literacy and its impact on health outcomes; Provide practical ways for workers to reflect on their practice and resources to advance health literacy; Support the workforce and organisational capacity around planning, implementation and evaluation to address the health literacy environment. Outcomes to be pursued are: Improved awareness by the health and community sector workforce of health literacy and its impact on health outcomes; Improved planning, implementation and evaluation to address the health literacy environment; and improved access to resources to support health literacy. Consistent with the implementation science approach, this project aims to discover what works and why and in what context. Therefore, the strategies used to implement and evaluate this project will be designed to capture the process and impact. As the project will be implemented over a two year period, there may also be the opportunity to assess some of the short term outcomes. Specifically, the project will employ a pre and post-test design and mixed methods, that is, both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Funding
Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania ($77,049)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Elmer SL; Walker KN; Duff J; Van Der Ploeg WJ
Period
2015 - 2016
Building Community Capacity for Health Literacy (2015 - 2016)$80,000
Description
The aim of this initiative is to support the reconfiguration of the way health and community services are delivered as they become more responsive, accessible and cost effective by improving the way information is communicated.The objectives of the Building Community Capacity for Health Literacy Project are to:1. Raise awareness among health professionals and community workers of the prevalence of health literacy issues and their impact on the health and wellbeing of most Tasmanians;2. Provide practical ways for workers to improve their practice, for example through developing resources for the public; and3. Assist health and community services to plan, implement and evaluate health literacy activities.This project will contribute to research about the ways to improve the health literacy responsiveness of service providers and the health literacy environment.
Funding
Primary Health Tasmania ($80,000)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Elmer SL; Schneiders MA; Van Der Ploeg WJ
Period
2015 - 2016
TAZREACH Promoting Health Through Understanding (2015)$25,647
Description
This project will be funded through TAZREACH and seeks to address a gap in service delivery by providing a bundle of sessions designed to increase the health literacy of the participants. The sessions focus on issues pertinent to chronic disease prevention and self-management including: nutrition, physical activity, communicating with health service providers, and goal setting. Health professionals are well-placed to assist clients with low HL through education, advocacy and support, thus improving health outcomes. These sessions will be provided by health professionals from UTAS with the support of undergraduate students wherever possible.
Funding
Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania ($25,647)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Elmer SL; Murray SL; Williams AD; Bird ML; Bridgman H
Year
2015
OPtimising HEalth LiterAcy (OPHELIA): A process to address health literacy for Tasmanians with Chronic Disease (2015)$18,472
Description
This project provides an unprecedented opportunity to test the OPHELIA approach to health literacy (HL) in a locally-based chronic disease group. It will yield both invaluable insights into the potential impact of HL interventions and crucial data for the methodological development of a larger NHMRC funding application.
Funding
University of Tasmania ($18,472)
Scheme
Grant-Research Enhancement (REGS)
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Elmer SL; Van Der Ploeg WJ; Woodroffe JJ
Year
2015
Health Literacy - Resource Development and Evaluation (2014 - 2016)$130,000
Description
This project aims to support and strengthen the health and community sector workforce to include health literacy considerations into their daily work practice to improve Tasmanian's access to health information.
Funding
Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania ($130,000)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Elmer SL; Walker KN; Duff J; Van Der Ploeg WJ
Period
2014 - 2016
Health literacy interventions to support newly arrived former refugees to manage their medications (2014 - 2015)$43,588
Description
This project will pilot resources to improve the health literacy of newly-arrived former refugees in Tasmania. Health literacy is an essential life skill and is defined as an individual's ability to read, understand and obtain adequate health care in order to maintain their health. The project will focus on medication concordance for chronic disease as many former refugees are at an increased risk of developing one or more chronic diseases. Health professionals working in refugee health services, and adult former refugees who have arrived in Tasmania in the past 12 months will be invited to participate. Within culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, it is suggested there are four domains, which contribute to health literacy: scientific literacy (understanding disease processes); civil literacy (understanding the health system); fundamental literacy (ability to read and write in a national language); and cultural literacy (ability to understand and navigate interactions with service providers). This project aims to address each of these domains through the involvement of both the members of the CALD community and the health professionals. It seeks to address medication health literacy by: 1) investigating what interventions newly-arrived former refugees and health providers believe will improve medication health literacy and concordance in Tasmania; 2) developing an audio-based intervention to improve medication concordance based on the input of community members and health professionals; 3) piloting the intervention within health services in order to test effectiveness with the CALD community and health professionals; 4) disseminating the results of the project and utility of the intervention so similar interventions can be used in other populations with low health-literacy in the future.
Funding
Tasmanian Community Fund ($43,588)
Scheme
Grant
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Murray LJ; Elmer SL; Cooling NB
Period
2014 - 2015
A systems approach to addressing health literacy (2013)$9,899
Description
The goal of this health literacy project is to foster a systems approach to addressing health literacy through the use of a health literacy workplace audit tool. The objectives of this project are to: 1) adapt and trial a health literacy workplace audit tool; 2) investigate the knowledge, perceptions and skills relevant to health literacy among health care professionals; and 3) assess the pilot service/s using a health literacy workplace audit tool to identify areas for improvement.
Funding
Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania ($9,899)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Elmer SL
Year
2013
Nurse Practitioner Role Hobart Women's Health Centre (2012 - 2013)$6,889
Funding
Hobart Women's Health Centre ($6,889)
Scheme
Contract Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Elmer SL; Stirling CM
Period
2012 - 2013
An exploration of foundational health literacy education in nursing curriculum in four Australian universities (2012)$909
Description
This project seeks to explore and develop educational interventions for teaching nursing students the skills and attitudes required to identify and communicate with clients who have low health literacy across four universities. The research will enable the primary investigator to develop and validate a student questionnaire that can be used to measure the effectiveness of educational interventions. It is hoped that funding will then allow the collaboration to undertake a survey of nurse educators in Australia, identify gaps in health literacy training in the nursing curriculum, and develop strategies for implementation of the above identified strategies to address these gaps. This work will also build a foundation for a PhD project that is centred around health literacy education in nursing curriculum. Participating researchers at collaborating universities will be investigating health literacy in concurrent nursing curriculums and will be co-authors of publications.
Funding
Federation University Australia ($909)
Scheme
Grant
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Elmer SL
Year
2012
Evaluation of the impact of the implementation of the Quality Improvement Council (QIC) Accreditation and Review Program within the Supported Accommodation and Assistance Program (SAAP) organisations (2007 - 2009)$20,000
Funding
Quality Management Services Inc ($20,000)
Scheme
Consultancy
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Elmer SL; Kilpatrick SI
Period
2007 - 2009
Evaluation of a pilot program designed to guide the appointment, assessment and subsequent support provided to newly arrived overseas trained doctors at the Launceston General Hospital (2007)$12,000
Funding
Postgraduate Medical Institute of Tasmania ($12,000)
Scheme
Consultancy
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Elmer SL
Year
2007
Evaluation of the Cancer Council Tasmania's Helpline and Cancer Connect Programs (2005)$27,985
Funding
Cancer Council of Tasmania ($27,985)
Scheme
Grant-Cancer Research
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Stirling CM; Elmer SL
Year
2005
GP-Hospital Integration Demonstration Site: Launceston (2002 - 2003)$315,000
Funding
Department of Health and Ageing/ Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania ($315,000)
Scheme
Grant
Administered By
Launceston General Hospital
Research Team
Elmer SL
Period
2002 - 2003

Research Supervision

The two key foci for research projects that Shandell is keenly interested in are:

  • Research projects that focus on supporting consumer and community participation in decision-making about their health and wellbeing
  • Research projects that examine health services

Current

3

Completed

2

Current

DegreeTitleCommenced
PhDUsing complexity theory to conceptualise the non-technical skills required of our future doctors and investigate educational methods for developing proficiency in these skills in undergraduate education2014
PhDThe Older Person's Experience of Nurse-Led Healthcare Information Sharing: A video reflexive ethnography2014
PhDBarriers to the Evolution of the Pharmacy Profession in Australia2019

Completed

DegreeTitleCompleted
PhDWorkplace Support and Disaster Preparedness for Health Professionals and Hospital Support Staff in Three Australian Hospitals. How Can Managers Best Facilitate and Support Disaster Preparedness for the Hospital Workforce?
Candidate: Jeremy Richard Gowing
2021
PhDAgency and Decision-making with Advocacy Support: a qualitative study of people with dementia living alone
Candidate: Corinna Anne Dwan
2015