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ProfessorChristine Stirling

Professor of Nursing

Nursing

Orcid identifier0000-0003-2723-8302 (opens in a new tab)⁠
  • Professor of Nursing
    Nursing
  • +61 3 6226 4678 (Work)
  • School of Nursing, Nursing, 123B (Ground Floor) Engineering Building, Hobart CBD Campuses, TAS

RESEARCH SUMMARy

Expertise
Professor Stirling leads the Transforming Research in Ageing (TRiA) Group at the University of Tasmania.

The TRiA Group is committed to expanding awareness and promoting research in ageing and increasing the impact of research in ageing through collaboration with stakeholders. They are a mix of early, mid and senior interdisciplinary researchers from the University of Tasmania researching areas of dementia, palliative care, physical activity, new models of care and hospital avoidance.

TRIA research produces outcomes and has impact and comprises four pillars:

Pillar 1: Conduct rigorous translational research,

Pillar 2: Contribute to health services development through enabling evidence-informed practice and integrated care delivery

Pillar 3: Build capacity in the health and aged care workforce

Pillar 4: Conduct co-designed research

Professor Stirling has a broad knowledge of research methodologies across disciplines and sectors including
Mixed methods – multiple case study
Quantitative methods including descriptive statistics, logistical regression, survey data collection, census and linked database use
Qualitative methods including discourse analysis, grounded theory, qualitative descriptive research

 

Research Appointments

Professor Stirling is a member of the Australasian Nursing and Midwifery Clinical Trials Network and the South Western Sydney Nursing and Midwifery Research Alliance.

Current member of the NHMRC-MRFF Public Health and Health Systems Committee 2024-2027

Past Member of the RHH Research Foundation Scientific Review Committee for 6 years
Past Director of the AAG Research Trust Board
Past Director of the Australian Journal of Ageing Board




FUNDED PROJECTS

  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Continue Delivering the Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placements Program (CPOP)
    1 Jul 2025 - 30 Jul 2027
    People funded by this grant:
    • Stirling C,
    • Lawrence S,
    • Hammersley J
    Project Total: $380,556; The Services includes developing and implementing a program for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing - graduate entry (Students) to facilitate clinical placements (Clinical Placements) in the care and support sector (Program). The focus of the Program must be the aged care sector and Students in their second or third year of study are to be prioritised for participation in the Program. In providing the Services, unless stipulated otherwise in this Agreement, the Contractor must ensure its compliance to the service requirements as stipulated under Head Agreement, including but not limited to the minimum requirements, location, qualifications, student engagement, first nation student and clinical facilitator, resource development, governance, performance monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement activities, project management and reporting requirements, standards and best practice in the Schedule of the Head Agreement. Funded by: Department of Health and Aged Care; University of Canberra; University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Building resilience and reducing burnout in aged care staff: implementation of a mindfulness program
    1 Aug 2023 - 1 Aug 2024
    People funded by this grant:
    • Andrews S,
    • Edwards K,
    • Van Dam P,
    • Kornhaber R,
    • Lees D
    Project Total: $127,518; This proposal targets retention of the aged care workforce by implementing an eight week online, evidence-based mindfulness program to increase staff resilience and work engagement, while decreasing stress and burnout. Funded by: Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia - Grant-Research ($127,518); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Reaching Out, A new pipeline for Australian mental health workforce training and development.
    12 Jun 2023 - 31 Dec 2026
    People funded by this grant:
    • Haines T,
    • Vincent K,
    • Castle D,
    • Foa L,
    • Kostecki T
    Project Total: $5,691,013; Our project will co-design resources for and models of student activity, supervision, and organisational support to address these and other barriers that will then be implemented as a part of our training delivery stage. Funded by: Department of Health and Aged Care - Grant-National Mental Health Pathways to Practice; Monash University; University of South Australia; University of Newcastle; Alfred Health; Mind Australia; Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association; First Peoples' Health and Wellbeing; Hand-n-Hand Services Ltd; Peninsula Health; Rural Health Connect; University of Tasmania ($19,000).
  • GRANT
    Dementia Respite Education and Mentoring (DREAM)
    1 May 2023 - 30 Oct 2028
    People funded by this grant:
    • Doherty K,
    • Vickers J,
    • Gray C,
    • Stirling C,
    • Andrews S
    Project Total: $13,660,425; Dementia respite care training: delivering education and training to improve aged care provider capability to deliver quality respite care for people living with dementia, including successful transitions in and out of their respite services, and evaluation of program. Funded by: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (Cth) - Grant-Improving respite care for people with demen ($13,660,426); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    TCHI - Building Communities of Care in Tasmania
    1 Jan 2023 - 21 Apr 2026
    People funded by this grant:
    • Andrews S,
    • Karacsony S,
    • Kornhaber R,
    • Stirling C
    Project Total: $27,500; Project record for the TCHI project - Building Communities of Care in Tasmania Funded by: Donation via University of Tasmania Foundation - Donation ($27,500); University of Tasmania.
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Health Workforce Program: Expansion of the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program in Aged Care Services
    1 Jan 2022 - 30 Apr 2025
    People funded by this grant:
    • Byrne N,
    • Obamiro K,
    • Lethborg C,
    • Jessup B,
    • Belle M
    Project Total: $1,902,076; The project will involve the establishment of a health training demonstration site in a rural residential aged care service and management of the clinical training of allied health and nursing students. Research will be conducted at the demonstration site to improve local health outcomes of residents in aged care facilities and to ensure better integration across the health and aged care sectors. Funded by: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (Cth) ($1,902,076); University of Tasmania.
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Growing and supporting communities of care: enhancing the delivery of palliative care across Tasmania.
    Palliative Care Tasmania1 Jan 2021 - 31 Dec 2022
    People funded by this grant:
    • Andrews S,
    • Karacsony S,
    • Stirling C,
    • Namasivayam P
    Project Total: $50,000; Project Aim: to identify strategies for Palliative Care Tasmania to grow and support sustainable 'communities of care' amongst the current palliative care workforce (paid and unpaid- henceforth referred to as the palliative care workforce) in Tasmania. Objectives: 1. Conduct a rapid review of the literature to identify models of 'communities of care'. 2. Explore knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about palliative care amongst the palliative care workforce in Tasmania. 3. Gather feedback from the palliative workforce about their contributions, knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards the development of sustainable 'communities of care' in Tasmania Expected outcomes of the study: - Report to Palliative Care Tasmania that contains a summary of all findings and actionable recommendations and strategies to support the development of communities of care? in Tasmania. - Peer reviewed publications. Funded by: Palliative Care Tasmania ($50,000); University of Tasmania.
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Needs assessment and feasibility study into the potential for a Veteran Wellbeing Centre or wellbeing services to be located in Tasmania
    Commonwealth Department of Veterans Affairs1 Jan 2020 - 31 Dec 2021
    People funded by this grant:
    • Stirling C,
    • Neil A,
    • Mond J,
    • Bridgman H,
    • D'Alessandro S
    Project Total: $120,000; Funded by: Commonwealth Department of Veterans Affairs ($120,000); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    REDucing Delays In aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: the REDDISH study
    National Health & Medical Research Council1 Jan 2018 - 30 Dec 2021
    People funded by this grant:
    • Gall S,
    • Thrift A,
    • Chandra R,
    • Stirling C,
    • Kinsman L
    Project Total: $436,023; Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is a rare form of stroke that kills up to 40% of sufferers within 1 month. Outcome can be improved through quickly receiving medical care but many people do not and this likely contributes to the poor outcomes. The REDucing Delays In Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (REDDISH) study will look at cases of aSAH across Tasmanian and Victoria so that we can understand the factors that contribute to delays in treatment and ultimately improve outcomes. Funded by: National Health & Medical Research CouncilNational Health & Medical Research Council - Grant-Project ($872,046); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Exploring the dimensions of the sexual abuse of older women
    Australian Association of Gerontology Inc.14 Nov 2017 - 14 Nov 2018
    People funded by this grant:
    • Banks S,
    • Lawrence S,
    • Henning T,
    • Stirling C
    Project Total: $4,545; This project will explore current agency and organisational responses to elder sexual abuse. A key focus of this study is to determine how cultures within organisations shape, and respond to policy and legislation in this area. Funded by: Australian Association of Gerontology Inc. - Grant-RM Gibson ($4,545); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Exploring the Dimensions of the Sexual Abuse of Older Women in Tasmania
    University of Tasmania1 Jun 2017 - 28 Feb 2018
    People funded by this grant:
    • Henning T,
    • Banks S,
    • Williams V,
    • Stirling C,
    • Lawrence S
    Project Total: $6,535; This project aims to examine the existing clinical and socio-legal responses toward elder sexual abuse in Tasmania Funded by: University of Tasmania - Grant-CAL Hothouse Research Enhancement Program; University of Tasmania ($6,535).
  • GRANT
    Keeping a healthy brain - evaluating a new wellness program
    Tasmanian Community Fund10 Apr 2017 - 31 May 2018
    People funded by this grant:
    • Stirling C,
    • Lawrence S,
    • King C
    Project Total: $46,219; An evaluation of a community-based wellness program for older persons dementia risk education. Funded by: Tasmanian Community Fund - Grant ($46,219); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    What is 'A Good Day Out'? Working towards optimal day centre respite care and ways to measure it
    Dementia Collaborative Research Centre24 Mar 2016 - 30 Sep 2017
    People funded by this grant:
    • Stirling C,
    • Fielding E,
    • Beattie E,
    • Fleming R,
    • Goodenough B
    Project Total: $75,738; A mixed method descriptive study to identify benchmarks for good adult day respite experiences for people with dementia. Funded by: Dementia Collaborative Research Centre - Grant-Project; Queensland University of Technology; University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Paediatric & Adolescent INsulin pump Decision Aid - a Novel Intervention
    Hospitals Contribution Fund Research Foundation - HCF1 Feb 2014 - 31 Dec 2015
    People funded by this grant:
    • Demangone K,
    • Broad L,
    • Stirling C
    Project Total: $50,023; To develop and pilot a patient decision aid to help families of children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes make decisions about using insulin pumps. As every family is unique, the aid will help families to consider all the issues that may affect their ability to manage insulin pump therapy. We will base the decision aid on evidence in the literature and information from patients and families and expert advisors. We will trial the decision aid with families to see how useful they found the aid and whether it made the decision seem easier and changed their treatment preferences. Funded by: Hospitals Contribution Fund Research Foundation - HCF - Grant-Health Services Research Program; Tasmanian Health Service - Southern Region; University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Future housing and support needs of people with dementia
    Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute1 Apr 2013 - 28 Feb 2015
    People funded by this grant:
    • Gabriel M,
    • Stirling C,
    • Lloyd B
    Project Total: $131,362; Funded by: Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute - Grant-Research Project ($131,362); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    2012: 11th Global Conference on Ageing, International Federation on Ageing, Czechoslovakia
    University of Tasmania29 May 2012 - 1 Jun 2012
    People funded by this grant:
    • Stirling C
    Project Total: $1,500; Funded by: University of Tasmania - Grant-Conference Support Scheme; University of Tasmania ($1,500).
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Nurse Practitioner Role Hobart Women's Health Centre
    Hobart Women's Health Centre1 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2013
    People funded by this grant:
    • Elmer S,
    • Stirling C
    Project Total: $6,889; Funded by: Hobart Women's Health Centre ($6,889); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Nurse Practitioner - Aged Care Models of Practice Program
    Department of Health and Aged Care17 Oct 2011 - 31 Dec 2014
    People funded by this grant:
    • Stirling C,
    • Robinson A,
    • Bucher H,
    • Morrissey M
    Project Total: $606,217; Funded by: Department of Health and Aged Care - Grant-Nurse Practitioner ($606,217); University of Tasmania.
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Exploring the benefits of respite care for care recipients
    Glenview Community Services Inc1 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011
    People funded by this grant:
    • Stirling C,
    • Andrews S
    Project Total: $17,414; Funded by: Glenview Community Services Inc ($17,414); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Living Alone with Dementia
    Department of Health & Human Services - Home and Community Care1 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2012
    People funded by this grant:
    • Stirling C
    Project Total: $100,000; Funded by: Department of Health & Human Services - Home and Community Care - Grant ($100,000); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Timely dementia diagnosis: Exploring nurse-led memory clinics as effective practice
    The Mason Foundation1 Jan 2011 - 30 Dec 2012
    People funded by this grant:
    • Stirling C
    Project Total: $44,469; Funded by: The Mason Foundation - Grant-Judith Jane Mason & Harold Stannett Williams ($44,469); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Opening a dialogue: improving communication and practice in advance care and end of life care planning
    Department of Health and Aged Care3 May 2010 - 30 Jun 2011
    People funded by this grant:
    • Ashby M,
    • Robinson A,
    • Stirling C,
    • Andrews S,
    • McInerney F
    Project Total: $537,109; Funded by: Department of Health and Aged Care - Grant-Local Palliative Care Program ($537,109); University of Tasmania.
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Aged Care Assessment Program (ACAP) Review
    Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania1 Jan 2009 - 31 Dec 2010
    People funded by this grant:
    • Robinson A,
    • Stirling C,
    • Doherty K,
    • Banks S,
    • Churchill B
    Project Total: $70,926; Funded by: Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania ($70,926); University of Tasmania.
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Final Preparation of Tasmanian Ambulance Service Volunteer Handbook and Recruitment Marketing Tools
    Tasmanian Ambulance Service1 Jan 2008 - 31 Dec 2008
    People funded by this grant:
    • Stirling C,
    • Byrom J
    Project Total: $18,161; Funded by: Tasmanian Ambulance Service ($18,161); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    A Sustainable Volunteer Workforce in Rural/Regional Tasmania
    Volunteering Tasmania Inc.1 Oct 2007 - 30 Sep 2008
    People funded by this grant:
    • Stirling C,
    • Orpin P,
    • Kilpatrick S
    Project Total: $79,741; Funded by: Volunteering Tasmania Inc. - Grant ($79,741); University of Tasmania.