Biography
Dr Helen Mulcahy DN, MSc (Nursing), BSc (Nursing), H Dip. PHN, RGN, RM, RPHN. Helen is Senior Lecturer in Community Health and in the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Ireland. She teaches public health nursing, child health and development as well as nursing research. Her area of teaching and research expertise includes Public Health Nurse/client relationships; working with vulnerable families; elder abuse and self-neglect in the context of public health nursing practice; and breastfeeding support.Research Interests
My research interests include Nurse/client relationships; working with vulnerable families; breastfeeding support; child health; parental concern and Public Health Nursing. The importance of linking research with practice is a key aspect in the development of course material and the development of excellence in nursing practice. To ensure public health nurses are educated to provide high quality care and to foster the development of evidence based practice all my lectures are research based and supported with relevant references.
My experience of supervising Masters Students and supporting them to disseminate the findings of their studies has been strongly illustrative of the relationship of teaching to research and subsequently to practice. My role as co-ordinator of the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Nursing has enhanced my profile within the Public Health Nursing discipline generally. It is my plan to build on my existing research profile by disseminating my research findings through education, conference presentations and publications.
My top three research outputs are:
a) Parental concern in relation to child growth and development
b) Nurse-client relationships
c) Vulnerable families
I conducted a quantitative study to measure Participation as experienced by Public Health nurses and mothers of vulnerable families within the nurse/client relationship. This research was supported by an award from An Bord Altranais and a Health Research Board Fellowship. It was submitted in 2002 in fulfilment for the award of Masters in Science in Nursing by Research.
a) I registered on the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in July 2010 and completed in Jan 2014. My area of study is an exploration of the process by which parents of children referred to second tier child developmental services assess and respond to uncertainty in relation to child growth and development concerns.
b)The nurse-client relationship is fundamental to the clinical work of Public Health Nurses and the findings of the research have been disseminated at national and international conferences (Dublin and Dundee) through posters and papers. The research has also been published in an international peer reviewed journal. As co-ordinator and module leader on the Postgraduate Diploma in public Health Nursing I have an ideal opportunity to educate future Public Health Nurses using empirical knowledge in relation to the nurse-client relationship in the community setting.
c) Research in relation to the Public Health Nurse's role with vulnerable families was also published in a peer reviewed journal. It attracted interdisciplinary interest by being accepted at a social work conference (UCC) indicating the broader clinical applicability. This work with vulnerable families created links to related topic areas and opportunities to supervise a master's student researching child neglect followed by joint dissemination of findings at a national nursing conference.
Publications
Peer Reviewed Journals
Year | Publication | |
---|---|---|
(2021) | 'Factors influencing women's perceptions of choice and control during pregnancy and birth: a cross-sectional study' Leahy-Warren, Patricia; Mulcahy, Helen; Corcoran, Paul; Bradley, Róisín; O'Connor Mary; O'Connell, Rhona (2021) 'Factors influencing women's perceptions of choice and control during pregnancy and birth: a cross-sectional study'. BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 21 (1):1-12 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
(2017) | 'Transitional care interventions: Relevance for nursing in the community' Coffey, A;Mulcahy, H;Savage, E;Fitzgerald, S;Bradley, C;Benefield, L;Leahy-Warren, P (2017) 'Transitional care interventions: Relevance for nursing in the community'. Public Health Nursing, 34 :454-460 [DOI] [Details] | |
(2017) | 'The contribution of non-licensed personnel to community nursing and midwifery' Mulcahy, H., Kelly, M., Frawley, T., McCarthy, B., Savage, E., McLoughlin, K., Leahy-Warren, P. (2017) 'The contribution of non-licensed personnel to community nursing and midwifery'. International Nursing Review, [Details] | |
(2016) | 'Uncertainty: A little bit not sure. Parental concern about child growth or development' Mulcahy, H,Savage, E (2016) 'Uncertainty: A little bit not sure. Parental concern about child growth or development'. Journal of Child Health Care, 20 :333-343 [DOI] [Details] | |
(2015) | 'Self-neglect: A case study and implications for clinical practice' Day M.;Mulcahy H.;Leahy-Warren P.;Downey J. (2015) 'Self-neglect: A case study and implications for clinical practice'. British journal of community nursing, 20 (3):110-115 [DOI] [Details] | |
(2015) | 'Self-Neglect a case study: implications for practice' Day, M.R. Mulcahy, H. Leahy-Warren, P. Downey, J. (2015) 'Self-Neglect a case study: implications for practice'. British Journal of Community Nursing, 20 (2):585-590 [Full Text] [Details] | |
(2008) | 'Participatory nurse/client relationships: perceptions of public health nurses and mothers of vulnerable families' Mulcahy, H,McCarthy, G; (2008) 'Participatory nurse/client relationships: perceptions of public health nurses and mothers of vulnerable families'. Nursing research, 21 :169-172 [DOI] [Details] | |
(2008) | 'Participatory nurse/client relationships: perceptions of public health nurses and mothers of vulnerable families' Mulcahy, H;McCarthy, G (2008) 'Participatory nurse/client relationships: perceptions of public health nurses and mothers of vulnerable families'. Applied Nursing Research, 21 :169-172 [DOI] [Details] |
Other Journals
Year | Publication | |
---|---|---|
(2014) | 'Triggers to action on child developmental concerns' Mulcahy Helen (2014) 'Triggers to action on child developmental concerns' The Boolean, 2014 . [Details] | |
(2010) | 'Support Services provided by Public Health Nurses to Breastfeeding Mothers' Mulcahy, H; Leahy-Warren, P; Phelan, A ; (2010) 'Support Services provided by Public Health Nurses to Breastfeeding Mothers' ICHN Spring Newsletter, 9 (1) :4-5. [Details] |
Reviews
Year | Publication | |
---|---|---|
(2016) | Prevalence of self-neglect in the caseloads of public health nurses. Day M.;Mulcahy H.;Leahy-Warren P. (2016) Prevalence of self-neglect in the caseloads of public health nurses. Reviews [DOI] [Details] |
Professional Activities
Honours and Awards
Year | Title | Awarding Body | |
---|---|---|---|
2001 | Health Research Board Fellowship | Health Research Board | |
1999 | All Ireland Research Award (¿ 1905) | An Bord Altranais | |
2014 | Strategic Research Fund | UCC |
Professional Associations
Association | Function | From / To | |
---|---|---|---|
Children's Research Network of Ireland and Northern Ireland | Member | 01-DEC-13 / 19-DEC-14 |
Conference Contributions
Year | Publication | |
---|---|---|
(2017) | Conference, Day, M.R., Leahy-Warren, P., Mulcahy, H. (2017) Self-Neglect: A Fine Balance for Professionals. [Oral Presentation], Conference, , 24-JUL-17. [Details] | |
(2016) | 2nd Annual SPHeRE conference, Day, M.R., Mulcahy, H., Leahy-Warren, P., Downey, J. (2016) Prevalence of Self-Neglect on Public Health Nursing Caselaods. [Poster Presentation], 2nd Annual SPHeRE conference, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin , 29-FEB-16. [Details] | |
(2016) | 4th International Public Health Conference ‘Bridging the Gap, Day, M.R., Leahy-Warren, P., Mulcahy, H. (2016) Prevalence of Self-Neglect on Public Health Nurses Caseloads. [Invited Oral Presentation], 4th International Public Health Conference ‘Bridging the Gap, Billund, Denmark , 19-SEP-16 - 20-SEP-16. [Details] | |
(2016) | 4th International Public Health Conference ‘Bridging the Gap, Leahy-Warren, P., Glavin, K., Philpott, L., Benefield, L.D., Day, M.R., Gjevjon, E.R., Steffenak, A.K.M., Nordhagen, L., Egge, H., Mulcahy, H. (2016) An International Public Health Nursing Perspective on Falls Interventions. [Invited Oral Presentation], 4th International Public Health Conference ‘Bridging the Gap, Billund, Denmark , 19-SEP-16 - 20-SEP-16. [Details] | |
(2016) | 4th International Public Health Conference, Leahy-Warren, P., Day, M.R., O'Dwyer, P., Mulcahy, H. (2016) Using the Intervention Wheel to Illustrate Public Health Nursing practice in relation to Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip. [Invited Oral Presentation], 4th International Public Health Conference, Billund, Denmark , 19-SEP-16 - 20-SEP-16. [Details] | |
(2016) | All Ireland Gerontolgical Association Mental Health & well-being for Older People, Day, M.R., Leahy-Warren, P., Mulcahy, H. (2016) Prevalence of Self-Neglect on Public Health Nurses Caseload. [Poster Presentation], All Ireland Gerontolgical Association Mental Health & well-being for Older People, Crowne Plaza, Dundalk , 05-MAY-16. [Details] | |
(2015) | Irish Association Gerontology and Geriatrics 8th European Region Congress (IAGG-ER) Unlocking the Demographic Dividend, Day, M. R. Leahy-Warren, P. Lupariz, M. Clamette, R., Orfilia, F., Paúl, C., Cornally, N., O’Caoimh R., Campbell, S., Mulcahy, H., Molloy, W. (2015) Risk Instrument for Screening Older People in the Community (RISC): Cross Cultural Perspectives Ireland. [Oral Presentation], Irish Association Gerontology and Geriatrics 8th European Region Congress (IAGG-ER) Unlocking the Demographic Dividend, Conference Centre, Dublin , 23-APR-15 - 26-MAY-15. [Details] | |
(2015) | 68th Gerontological Society America Conferences, Leahy-Warren, P., Weathers, E., Mulcahy, H., Day, M.R., Cornally, N., Clarnett, R., O'Caoimh, R, Paul, C. (2015) Experience of Using an instrument to screen for Risk of Frailty in the Community. [Oral Presentation], 68th Gerontological Society America Conferences, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, Orlando, Florida , 19-NOV-15. [Details] | |
(2014) | RCN International nursing research conference 2014, Mulcahy, H. (2014) Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) in nursing research. [Oral Presentation], RCN International nursing research conference 2014, University of Glasgow, Glasgow , 02-APR-14 - 04-APR-14. [Details] | |
(2013) | 13th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference, Leahy-Warren, P., Day, M.R., Mulcahy, H., Clancy A. (2013) Primary Health Care: Comparing Public Health Nursing Models in Ireland and Norway. [Oral Presentation], 13th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference, University College Cork , 09-NOV-13. [Details] | |
(2011) | 3rd International Nursing & Midwifery Conference, Leahy-Warren, P., Mulcahy, H., Phelan, A. (2011) Breastfeeding supports for mothers: comparison between public health nurses and mothers' perspectives. [Oral Presentation], 3rd International Nursing & Midwifery Conference, School of Nursing & Midwifery, NUIG , 04-APR-11. [Details] | |
(2010) | The 2010 RCN International Nursing Research Conference, Leahy-Warren, P., Mulcahy, H., Phelan, A. (2010) An examination of breastfeeding support for mothers in the community in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], The 2010 RCN International Nursing Research Conference, The Sage Gateshead, Newcastle , 13-MAY-10. [Details] | |
(2013) | 3rd International Public Health Nursing Conference, Connolly, M. Paul, G. Day, M.R. Mulcahy, H. Murphy, S. Kennedy, C. McKee, G. Healy, M. McDonald, A. O' dwyer, P. & Irving, A. (2013) Member of Scientific Committee. [Peer Reviewed Abstract], 3rd International Public Health Nursing Conference, NUI Galway , 25-AUG-13 - 27-AUG-13. [Details] | |
(2013) | 3rd International Public Health Nursing Conference 2013, Clancy, A., Leahy-Warren, P., Day, MR., Mulcahy, H. (2013) Clancy, A., Leahy-Warren, P., Day, MR., Mulcahy, H., (2013) Primary Health Care: Comparing Public Health Nursing Models in Ireland and Norway. [Oral Presentation], 3rd International Public Health Nursing Conference 2013, NUI, Galway , 25-AUG-13 - 27-AUG-13. [Details] | |
(2013) | 3rd International Public Health Nursing Conference 2013, Clancy, A., Leahy-Warren, P., Day, MR., Mulcahy, H., (2013) Primary Health Care: Comparing Public Health Nursing Models in Ireland and Norway. [Poster Presentation], 3rd International Public Health Nursing Conference 2013, NUI, Galway , 25-AUG-13 - 27-AUG-13. [Details] | |
(2013) | Doctoral Showcase - three minute thesis, Mulcahy, H (2013) Interpreting parents' expereinces of being 'a little bit not sure' about their child's growth and development. [Oral Presentation], Doctoral Showcase - three minute thesis, UCC , 11-JUN-13 - 11-JUN-13. [Details] | |
(2013) | 3rd International Public Health Nursing Conference. Making a Difference, Mulcahy, H. (2013) International conference. [Chair Sessions at Symposia], 3rd International Public Health Nursing Conference. Making a Difference, NUI Galway , 25-AUG-13 - 27-AUG-13. [Details] | |
(2013) | 3rd International Public Health Nursing Conference. Making a Difference, Mulcahy H., Savage E. (2013) Exploring Parents' Experiences of Child Growth And Development Concerns Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. [Oral Presentation], 3rd International Public Health Nursing Conference. Making a Difference, NUI Galway , 26-AUG-13 - 27-AUG-13. [Details] | |
(2013) | 3rd International Public Health Nursing Conference, O' Dowd, M. Connolly, M. Paul, G. Day, M.R. Mulcahy, H. Murphy, S. Kennedy, C. McKee, G. Healy, M. McDonald, A. O' dwyer, P. & Irving, A. (2013) The Public Heaslth Nursing Contribution to Primary Health Care. [Conference Organising Committee Member], 3rd International Public Health Nursing Conference, NUI, Galway , 25-AUG-13 - 27-AUG-13. [Details] | |
(2013) | The 3rd International Public Health Nursing Conference. Making a Difference, Mulcahy H., Savage E. (2013) Exploring Parents' Experiences Of Child Growth And Development Concerns Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. [Oral Presentation], The 3rd International Public Health Nursing Conference. Making a Difference, NUI Galway , 25-AUG-13 - 27-AUG-13. [Details] | |
(2012) | Annual ICHN conference. Public Health Nursing 'Vision and Visibility', Leahy-Warren P. Mulcahy H. Phelan A. Corcoran P. (2012) Paper presented at ICHN conference - Factors influencing initiation and duration of breastfeeding: contribution of the PHN. [Oral Presentation], Annual ICHN conference. Public Health Nursing 'Vision and Visibility', School of Nursing and Midwifery in University College Cork , 01-MAY-12 - 01-MAY-12. [Details] | |
(2012) | The 13th European Doctoral Conference in Nursing Science, Mulcahy, H (2012) Paper presented entitled An exploration of parental uncertainty in relation to child growth and development concerns: An integrative review. [Oral Presentation], The 13th European Doctoral Conference in Nursing Science, Graz, Austria , 14-SEP-12 - 15-SEP-12. [Details] | |
(2012) | ICHN Conference Vision and Visibility, Mulcahy H. (2012) An integrative review examining the characteristics of parental uncertainty as they relate to concern about child growth and development. [Oral Presentation], ICHN Conference Vision and Visibility, Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, UCC, , 01-MAY-12 - 01-MAY-12. [Details] | |
(2010) | 11th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference Transforming Healthcare through Research & Education, Phelan, A Leahy-Warren P, Mulcahy H, O'Connell, R ; (2010) Breastfeeding, decisions, choices, dilemmas. [Peer Reviewed Abstract], 11th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference Transforming Healthcare through Research & Education, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin , 04-NOV-10 - 05-NOV-10. [Details] | |
(2009) | 9th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference, Leahy-Warren, P., Mulcahy, H. and Phelan, A. (2009) A review of breastfeeding support services provided by public health nurses: a national study commissioned by the HSE. [Chair Sessions at Symposia], 9th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference, UCC , 08-OCT-09 - 09-OCT-09. [Details] | |
(2008) | The All Ireland Community Nursing Conference, McCarthy,G., Mulcahy, H. ; (2008) What do informal carers need from the Public Health Nurse?. [Poster Presentation], The All Ireland Community Nursing Conference, Croke Park, Dublin , 01-JUN-08 - 30-JUN-08. [Details] | |
(2008) | The All Ireland Community Nursing Conference, McCarthy, G., Mulcahy, H. The All Ireland Community Nursing Conference ; (2008) What do informal carers need from the Public Health Nurse. [Oral Presentation], The All Ireland Community Nursing Conference, Croke Park, Dublin , 01-JUN-08 - 30-JUN-08. [Details] | |
(2008) | . The All Ireland Community Nursing Conference.Sharing the Future. What do informal carers need from the Public Health Nurse? NCNM and DHSSPS. Dublin. 2008, McCarthy, D., Mulcahy, H.; (2008) . The All Ireland Community Nursing ConfereSharing the Future. What do informal carers need from the Public Health Nurse? NCNM and DHSSPS. Dublin. 2008. [Peer Reviewed Abstract], . The All Ireland Community Nursing Conference.Sharing the Future. What do informal carers need from the Public Health Nurse? NCNM and DHSSPS. Dublin. 2008, Dublin. 2008 , 01-JAN-08 - 01-JAN-08. [Details] | |
(2007) | The Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference. A changing profession in a changing Ireland. The term vulnerable family as understood by Public health Nurses in the Republic of Ireland. UCC. Cork. 2007, Cahalane, S. and Mulcahy, H. ; (2007) The Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference. A changing profession in a changing Ireland. The term vulnerable family as understood by Public health Nurses in the Republic of Ireland. UCC. Cork. 2007. [Peer Reviewed Abstract], The Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference. A changing profession in a changing Ireland. The term vulnerable family as understood by Public health Nurses in the Republic of Ireland. UCC. Cork. 2007, UCC. Cork. 2007 , 01-JAN-07 - 01-JAN-07. [Details] | |
(2007) | Royal College of Nursing International Research Conference, Mulcahy, H., McCarthy G. ; (2007) Nurses, Mothers and the Public health Nursing Service. [Poster Presentation], Royal College of Nursing International Research Conference, Dundee, Scotland , 01-MAY-07 - 31-MAY-07. [Details] | |
(2007) | Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) annual conference, Mulcahy, H. Leahy-Warren, P., O'Dwyer, P; (2007) Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) 32nd annual conference. The Quality of Education: Purposes, Politics and Practices. Practice - Centredness approach to Public Health Nursing Education in Ireland. ESAI Cavan 29-31 March 2007. P. 28. [Oral Presentation], Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) annual conference, ESAI Cavan 29-31 March 2007. P. 28 , 29-MAR-07 - 31-MAR-07. [Details] | |
(2006) | National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery. 6th Annual Conference. Developing Services for patients and clients. Child neglect: Will I refer? National Council for Nursing and Midwifery. Dublin. 2006 .p 138, Cahalane, S. and Mulcahy, H. ; (2006) National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery. 6th Annual Conference. Developing Services for patients and clients. Child neglect: Will I refer? National Council for Nursing and Midwifery. Dublin. 2006 .p 138. [Peer Reviewed Abstract], National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery. 6th Annual Conference. Developing Services for patients and clients. Child neglect: Will I refer? National Council for Nursing and Midwifery. Dublin. 2006 .p 138, Dublin , 01-JAN-06 - 01-JAN-06. [Details] | |
(1999) | A Picture of Health - A Selection of Irish Health Research 2003, McCarthy G. & Mulcahy H.; (1999) Nurses, Mothers and the Public Health Nurse. [Other], A Picture of Health - A Selection of Irish Health Research 2003, Dublin Health Research Board , 30-DEC-99 - 30-DEC-99. [Details] |
Employment
Employer | Position | From / To | |
---|---|---|---|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | College Lecturer | 01-SEP-07 / 01-JUN-10 | |
School of Nursing and Midwifery, UCC (secondment basis). | Lecturer | 01-NOV-05 / 31-AUG-07 | |
Waterford Community Services Area, Health Service Executive (South East) | Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing | 01-DEC-04 / 01-NOV-05 | |
Waterford Community Care area, Health Service Executive (South East) | Acting Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing | 01-MAY-02 / 01-DEC-05 |
Education
Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | University College Cork | Doctor of Nursing | Nursing | |
2002 | University College, Cork | MSc (Nursing) | MSc (Nursing) | |
1997 | UCC, Cork | BSc (Nursing) | BSc (Nursing) | |
1996 | UCC, Cork | Higher Diploma Nursing | Higher Diploma in Public Health Nursing |
Consultancy
Client | Description | |
---|---|---|
HSE Cork South Lee | ||
Longford-Westmeath local health office area | ||
Augustus Cullen Law | ||
Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit |
Teaching Activities
Teaching Interests
Background in relation to teaching and Learning- Programme co-coordinator of Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Nursing (PGDPHN) 2008-2016.
- Module leader for modules: NU6041, NU6042, NU6047, NU6170. These are level 9, 5 and 10 credit postgraduate modules
- Longstanding contribution to PHN preceptors by delivering 16 hours of education to assist them to support PHN students for 18 weeks of clinical placement.
- Additionally, I teach across other programmes and modules relating ot community nursing practice, education and professional issues
- I am link lecturer for the undergraduate programme for public health nursing and community hospital sites in Cork North Lee, South Lee, West Cork and North Cork.My clinical practice in public health nursing and care of the older adult ensures that I have the knowledge and networks in these clinical areas, to support undergraduate students effectively as they navigate these clinical placement sites.
- Public health nursing practce, education and professional issues
- Parental concern and uncertainty in the context of child growth and development
- Breastfedding curricula and breastfeding skills training
- Community nursing practice across the lifespan
Recent Postgraduates
Graduation Year | Student Name | Institution | Degree Type | Thesis Title | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2016 | Lorna O'Callaghan | University College Cork | MSc Nursing | Mothers' experience of the PHN service in Ireland | |
2017 | Shinto Jose | University College Cork | MSc Nursing | An exploration of how nurses assess and meet the Psycholical needs of patients who become depressed following stroke | |
2011 | Rachel Flynn | UCC | MSc Nursing | The experience of caregivers, caring for a relative with Early onset dementia | |
2017 | Lisa O'Neill | University College Cork | MSc Nursing | Healthcare supports and serivces available to teh person living with eraly dementia | |
2015 | Martina Corkery | University College Cork | MSc Nursing | Parental experiences of of weaning and advice given by PHNs on introducing solid food for infants | |
2015 | Ewelna Myjak | University College Cork | MSc Nursing | Nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practice of oral care on hospitalised elderly patients | |
2016 | PJ Cooke | University College Cork | MSc Nursing | PHN experiences of elder abuse: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis | |
2008 | Denise McCarthy | UCC | MSc Nursing | What do informal carers need from the public health nurse | |
2007 | Eimear Grennan | UCC | MSc Nursing | An investigation of public health nurses' attitudes and practice in relation to breastfeeding in teh health service executive (midland area) | |
2005 | Siobhan Goff | UCC | MSc Nursing | The impact of perceived self-efficacy on quality of life in persons with rheumatoid arthritis | |
2009 | Breda Hayes | UCC | MSc Nursing | Decisional conflict for antenatal women regarding mode of birth after a previous Caesarean section in the Irish Healthcare setting | |
2006 | Niamh MacShane | UCC | MSc Nursing | An exploration of how interdisciplinary communication effects continuity of care in older patients following hospital discharge to home | |
2006 | Ellen Mary Dineen | UCC | MSc Nursing | Postnatal incontinence, it's effects on women's health status and postnatal nursing care |