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Associate ProfessorRosie Nash

(She/Her)

Pro Vice Chancellor Graduate Research

Graduate Research

Orcid identifier0000-0003-3695-0887 (opens in a new tab)⁠
  • Pro Vice Chancellor Graduate Research
    Graduate Research
  • Tasmanian School of Medicine, Medicine, Level 1, Medical Science 2, 243-09 Medical Sciences Precinct, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart Tasmania 7000, Hobart CBD Campuses, TAS

RESEARCH SUMMARy

Expertise
Public Health- health promotion, prevention and health systems improvement.
Health literacy- Children, Adolescents and their Communities
Pharmacy Practice- emergent scopes of practice, primary healthcare, transitions of care, eHealth.
Health Professional’s Competency Standards, employability and workplace readiness
Quality Enhancement of Higher Education and Scholarship of Learning & Teaching initiatives- Assurance of Learning, Representations of Learning Technology Enhanced Learning, Assessment and Curriculum Design, Curriculum Mapping.
Research Methods- Mixed Methods, Qualitative, Quantitative and Participatory Action Research methods, Translational Health Research methods.

Research Themes
Dr Rosie Nash’s research is aligned with the University’s Strategic Refresh (2025-2050) and Transitions: Health (Health Literacy, Health Equity), Education (Educational Attainment) and Productivity (Social Inclusion and Economic Performance) and Tasmanian Stories. Her research is an exemplar for interdisciplinarity and she listens to the stories of consumers and community to ensure her research provides tangible impact for Tasmania, delivering knowledge and interventions from Tasmania. Dr Nash creates strong enduring partnerships to enable implementation of flexible co-designed solutions that influence the evolution of the health system toward investment in preventative health to drive health system sustainability, and empower healthier communities.


Dr Nash is passionate about creating healthy communities and is interested in tackling this challenge through health workforce education and development, inter-professional learning and health literacy.

Through her research Dr Nash responds directly to international calls to action from the WHO Shanghai Declaration and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, Dr Nash’s research responds to two of three key pillars of good Public Health: Health Promotion and Health Prevention.

Tasmanians have some of the worst health literacy, educational attainment and health outcomes nationally. These issues are complex and interrelated. Many Tasmanians are impacted by their social determinants, which are their upstream “causes of the causes”. Education, housing, social networks and employment are all examples of social determinants. Health literacy has recently been described as a social determinant in its own right and is capable of redressing inequities in society.

Evidence of her leadership of others, Dr Nash has successfully established and led multiple cross-institution and interdisciplinary research teams including the Health Literacy and Equity Research Group, Tasmanian Community Paediatric Service and HealthLit4Kids. She has been recognised nationally and internationally as a health literacy expert. Through her focus on improving health literacy, Dr Nash has redressed inequities that exist in our community. Her tenacious commitment to such efforts will be key to improving the health outcomes and the productivity of all Tasmanians.

Awards

2025 - Nomination for Australian of the Year Award
2021 - Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award
2021 - Teaching Excellence Award College of Health & Medicine
2021 - Teaching Excellence Commendation from Provost (Sem 2, CAM529)
2021 - Best Club Member (Triathlon South Club)
2021 - Teaching Excellence Commendation from Provost (Sem 1, CAM529)
2020 - Winston Churchill Fellowship
2020 - Nomination UTAS Teaching Excellence Award (individual)
2020 - Teaching Excellence Commendation from Provost (Sem 2, CAM529)
2019 - CSIRO ON PRIME Performance Bonus and Facilitators award (Tas) ($3,000)
2016, 2019, 2020, 2021 - Triathlon South Open Age Group Triathlon Champion
2018 - National Sustainable Health Care Award (Health Literacy) BOND University (Winner)
2018/2019 - Tasmanian Community Achievement Awards (Betta Health Category - Finalist)
2016 - HERDSA Student Travel Scholarship
2014 - Tasmanian Institute of Learning & Teaching Fellowship (Quality Pursuit CoP)
2014 - UTAS Vice Chancellors Award for Teaching Excellence
2012 - Australian Postgraduate Awards PhD Scholarship.


Research Appointments

International Health Literacy Association Research Standards Commitee (2024- ongoing)
Editor for Health Promotion Journal of Australia (2018-2024)
Tasmanian School of Medicine Research Committee (2022)

Research Invitations
B4 Early Years Coalition
Tasmanian Healthy Kids Coalition member
Allied Health Symposium Tasmania2017 - Co-Facilitation of Workshop: Health Research Methods- Research views & Research Creation
Consultant writer- PSA (Professional Practice Standards and Educational Materials for Pharmacists Australia Wide)

FUNDED PROJECTS

  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Develop the Tasmanian Literacy Workforce Attraction and Retention Strategy
    1 Apr 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
    People funded by this grant:
    • Elmer S,
    • Nash R,
    • Kemp N,
    • Cox R,
    • Cruickshank V
    Project Total: $0; The purpose of this project is to develop a Literacy Workforce Attraction and Retention Strategy (the Strategy) for the Department of Premier and Cabinet by October 2025. The focus of the strategy is to increase access to Allied Health Professionals across the learning continuum and achieves implementation of recommendation 10 in the Tasmanian Governments Lifting Literacy Implementation Plan 2024-2026 (the Implementation Plan). The project will also commence activities for recommendation 11 in May 2025, that seeks to increase priority student access to Allied Health where there is an identified need. Funded by: Department of Premier and Cabinet ($50,014); University of Tasmania.
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Evaluation of an online program to build the capability of families and supporters of people with disability to access preventative health planning and navigate health services
    30 Mar 2025 - 31 Dec 2026
    People funded by this grant:
    • Elmer S,
    • Nash R,
    • McCann D,
    • Morine F
    Project Total: $56,000; This evaluation will assess the effectiveness of an online program that aims to build the capacity of caregivers (family, supporters, paid direct care staff) to optimise how they support the health of a person with disability, including adjustments needed for people with complex needs. By providing initial content (knowledge in accessible formats) with coaching/mentoring, peer groups, and facilitation of health planning, caregivers will develop the skills to plan for positive health outcomes, and to problem-solve barriers to accessing. The evaluation will include baseline measure collected through a survey of the initial level of caregivers understanding of different aspects of supporting health of a person with complex needs, their confidence to do so, and current barriers to accessing health services. The evaluation framework will focus on the family caregiver perspective using Kirkpatricks model of evaluation of learning which has four components. Funded by: Microboards Australia ($55,998); University of Tasmania.
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Evaluation of 'The Right Place' initiative
    1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023
    People funded by this grant:
    • Elmer S,
    • Nash R,
    • McCann D,
    • Arnott N,
    • Guzys D
    Project Total: $32,637; The Right Place is a community health literacy initiative and this evaluation seeks to determine the contribution of the initiative to Improved access to health and community services. Improved coordination of health and community services in local communities. Improved health literacy of the community and member organisations. Assuring people are referred to the right service, in the right place, at the right time. The evaluation will also identify the internal and external conditions needed to enable the implementation and maintenance of The Right Place. Funded by: Department of Health (Tasmania) ($32,637); University of Tasmania.
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Review of the Tasmanian Health Literacy Action Plan
    1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2024
    People funded by this grant:
    • Elmer S,
    • Nash R,
    • Jose K,
    • Cleland V,
    • van Dongen S
    Project Total: $99,699; The Health Literacy Action Plan 2019-2024 expires at the end of 2024. Public Health Services, Tasmanian Department of Health requires a review of the plan in the 2023-24 financial year. The findings of the review will inform the future strategic direction needed for developing and supporting health literacy in Tasmania. The review will investigate and document the impact, utility, reach, and relevance of the Plan. It will provide valuable insight into where future health literacy action is needed. Funded by: Department of Health (Tasmania) ($99,699); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Digital Solutions: Taking HealthLit4Kids from Tasmania to the World
    University of Tasmania10 Mar 2022 - 10 Mar 2023
    People funded by this grant:
    • Nash R,
    • Cruickshank V,
    • Patterson K,
    • Kemp N,
    • Reid D
    Project Total: $74,500; 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. Funded by: University of Tasmania - Grant-Innovation Impact Fund; University of Tasmania ($74,500).
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Free nicotine replacement therapy and specialist support through pharmacies
    Department of Health (Tasmania)1 Jan 2021 - 30 Dec 2023
    People funded by this grant:
    • Nash R,
    • Ferguson S
    Project Total: $151,508; The objective of the pilot project is to determine the effectiveness of an intervention to provide free combination NRT and behavioural support to priority population groups through pharmacies. The purpose of the project is to trial providing free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) through pharmacies to increase quitting rates among priority population groups (as defined in the Tasmanian Tobacco Control Plan 2017-21). Funded by: Department of Health (Tasmania) ($151,508); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Should Health Literacy be treated as a Health, Education and Community Issue?
    The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust1 Jan 2021 - 31 Dec 2021
    People funded by this grant:
    • Nash R
    Project Total: $28,000; Health Literacy (HL) is the ability to find, use and apply information to look after our health. We now realise that an individual's HL is influenced by their community supports (distributive HL) and services they access (HL responsive organisations). As a social determinant of health, HL can determine one's health outcomes, educational attainment, social equity and productivity. Developing the asset of HL earlier in life influences adult health behaviours. This project seeks to meet with international experts to determine how they address the HL development needs of children and their communities in each of their countries. Specifically, to explore if HL is treated as a Health, Education or Community Issue? Funded by: The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust - Fellowship ($28,000); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Tackling Accidental Pharmaceutical Drug Overdose (TAPDO)
    Alcohol and Drug Foundation31 Jan 2020 - 31 Aug 2021
    People funded by this grant:
    • Varney SA,
    • Sutherland P,
    • Nash R,
    • Peterson G,
    • Mackrill M
    Project Total: $30,000; The Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Council of Tasmania (ATDC) has partnered with the Drug Education Network, Pharmacy Guild of Australia, the Pharmaceutical Society of Tasmania and the University of Tasmania to develop and deliver a targeted community place-based initiative to raise awareness of the risks of pharmaceutical use. The ATDC is able to coordinate this work, through the financial support of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation's Local Drug Action Team Program. Funded by: Alcohol and Drug Foundation - Grant-Local Drug Action Team Program; University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Proof of concept: HealthLit4Kids at four diverse Tasmanian schools
    Tasmanian Community Fund19 Jan 2018 - 31 Dec 2019
    People funded by this grant:
    • Nash R,
    • Elmer S,
    • Patterson K,
    • Mainsbridge C,
    • Abbott-Chapman J
    Project Total: $89,794; 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 Measures Stage 2: Health literacy workshops & Classroom activities Stage 3: Evaluation, Reporting & Dissemination Funded by: Tasmanian Community Fund - Grant ($89,794); University of Tasmania ($9,000).
  • GRANT
    Promoting Health Literacy in Tasmanian Primary Schools - Capturing, Curating and Evaluating Health Literacy Artefacts
    University of Tasmania15 Jan 2018 - 30 Nov 2018
    People funded by this grant:
    • Patterson K,
    • Mainsbridge C,
    • Hookway N,
    • Abbott-Chapman J,
    • Nash R
    Project Total: $19,468; Funded by: University of Tasmania - Grant - CALE Hothouse Alignment Scheme; University of Tasmania ($19,468).
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Exploring how stroke patients and their families learn about swallowing and/or communication difficulties while in hospital
    Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service4 Sep 2017 - 31 Dec 2018
    People funded by this grant:
    • Nash R,
    • Hart E
    Project Total: $1,350; This study will use a scoping review of research literature and clinical resources, and gain an understanding of the individual experiences of 5-10 patients and their families from a regional hospital through semi-structured interviews. This information will be used to collate resources and potentially guide future practices for local speech pathologists supporting people with swallowing and/or communication difficulties following stroke. This single-site project will be conducted at Bundaberg Hospital, in regional Queensland. This project is being completed as part of study towards Miss Tara Brady's Masters of Leadership (Health and Human Services) at University of Tasmania. Funded by: Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service ($1,350); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Promoting Health Literacy in Tasmanian Primary Schools - Evaluating the HealthLit4Kids pilot study.
    University of Tasmania1 Sep 2017 - 31 Dec 2017
    People funded by this grant:
    • Nash R,
    • Elmer S,
    • Abbott-Chapman J,
    • Gall S,
    • Mainsbridge C
    Project Total: $9,912; 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. Funded by: University of Tasmania - Creativity, Culture & Society Research Development; University of Tasmania ($9,912).
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Lead Support Coordinator Service (LSCS) Evaluation
    Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania2 Feb 2017 - 31 Mar 2019
    People funded by this grant:
    • Doherty T,
    • Nash R,
    • Elmer S,
    • de Graaff B,
    • Julian R
    Project Total: $99,999; 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. Funded by: Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania ($99,999); University of Tasmania.
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Review of the Communication and Health Literacy Action Plan (CHL)
    Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania1 Jan 2017 - 31 Dec 2017
    People funded by this grant:
    • Elmer S,
    • Lee S,
    • Nash R,
    • Jones R
    Project Total: $24,042; 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. Funded by: Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania ($24,042); University of Tasmania.